After matching on Hinge in July 2019, Maura and Andrew’s journey began at the since-departed Ghibellina on 14th Street in Washington, D.C. It was an evening marked by Andrew’s uncharacteristic tardiness, a strategic blunder that Maura has since parlayed into a lifetime "get out of jail free" card for her own sporadic punctuality.
Despite a comical lack of common ground, where Andrew was blissfully unaware of cinematic legend Lisa Vanderpump and Maura was equally in the dark about the BBC, the conversation nonetheless proved effortless. The spark was undeniable, leading to a whirlwind first week featuring four dates and a memorable moment where Andrew bravely, awkwardly, and very sweatily navigated Maura’s hot yoga class in a brand-new, all-black outfit in a bid to impress her. It certainly left an impression.
As their relationship grew, Maura and Andrew found joy in the remarkable and the mundane alike. Their favorite days are often the simplest: neighborhood walks, early dinners, and the occasional high-stakes, high-reward scavenger hunt through the aisles of TJ Maxx and HomeGoods. When they’re craving a bit more adventure, Maura and Andrew enjoy traveling to new places together. Their most memorable trek to date took them to the Azores in a hopeful pursuit of the elusive blue whale. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans, resulting in fifteen consecutive canceled whale-watch excursions due to 50mph winds and 15-foot sea swells. Never ones to let the weather dampen their spirits, they made the most of their sojourn to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, proving that they could find joy in the journey, regardless of the elements.
They would be remiss not to mention their very distinguished "city kitty" turned suburbanite, Tux. Even though he is always dressed for formal occasions, Tux, sadly, will not be joining the couple during their upcoming nuptials.
The transition from partners to betrothed occurred amidst the chaos of packing up their Capitol Hill home in September 2025. Seeking a reprieve from the mountain of boxes and bubble wrap that surrounded them, Andrew suggested a walk to one of their favorite neighborhood restaurants, leading Maura on a "scenic route" past the U.S. Capitol. While Andrew secretly coordinated with a photographer to dodge torrential storms, he found the perfect moment to propose. Though a rainy-day backup plan almost moved the proposal to Union Station, the clouds held just long enough for Andrew’s original vision to come to life. In a beautiful twist of fate, the couple later chose Union Station as their wedding venue, bringing their story full circle from a digital match to a kismet-filled "I do."