Hansel and Jessie first met in the fall of grade 10, through mutual friends at their lunch table. Right from the start, there was something special about the connection. Jessie always felt like she needed to know Hansel—he was just one of those people who stood out as genuine and intriguing. For Hansel, it was the authenticity and warmth that Jess radiated from the very beginning. They became fast friends, sharing music, laughs, and a growing bond over the years.

During their high school years, Hansel introduced Jess to the world of concerts. While Jess had been to a few shows before, she’d never experienced the excitement of a general admission concert. Hansel, a seasoned concert-goer, convinced her to join him for The Neighbourhood concert. As they waited in line, Hansel, feeling playful, leaned over and jokingly said, “I kinda wanna smooch you right now.” Jess, thinking he was just being his usual goofy self, laughed it off, unaware that his feelings ran deeper than just friendship. The night was full of energy, but it was only the beginning of a shift that would take years to fully unfold.

Even after high school, their bond remained strong. They stayed in touch, catching up whenever they could, and always finding themselves at concerts together. Then, six years after their initial meeting, Hansel invited Jess to a Halloween party at his apartment in the city. Jess dressed as Jessie from Toy Story, and Hansel, ever the classic romantic, went as the Phantom of the Opera. It was a night full of fun, but also one that would change everything. Hansel, in a tipsy moment of honesty, confessed that he’d always had feelings for Jess. Jess was in shock—having never been with anyone before, she was scared of risking their deep, 6-year-long friendship. But after a lot of thought, Jess decided to take the leap, on the condition that if they got together, they would both be all in. Just like that, their new chapter as a couple began.

For their first date, they went to a board game cafe, where both were nervous about changing the dynamics of their friendship. They played Guess Who and Blokus—two games that they still love today, each offering moments of laughter and excitement. Afterward, Hansel took Jess to Allan Gardens, a place he knew she would love because of her passion for plants. It was the perfect setting to continue their first date, and they spent the evening enjoying each other’s company and taking in the beauty of the lush surroundings.

The couple’s travels together only deepened their connection. Their first vacation was to Cuba, where they danced under the stars, swam in the warm ocean, sailed on a catamaran, and collected seashells along the beach. It was Jess’ first time in the ocean, and Hansel loved seeing the wonder and awe on her face. Jess also discovered her new love for Cuban coffee, which quickly became a daily treat when they were there. With carefree days exploring the resort and evenings spent together, the trip was a perfect start to their shared adventures.

In the summer of 2023, Hansel and Jess found their shared love for camping. Blending Hansel’s passion for building and adventure with Jess’ love for nature, their trips have been magical—from an unforgettable weekend in Algonquin Provincial Park with friends to intimate moments shared under the pine trees. Even when the weather turns rainy, each trip feels special, filled with laughter and unforgettable memories.

In September 2023, they traveled to Banff, Alberta, where they rode the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and traversed a long wooden staircase to the peak. It was there that they carved “H + J forever” into the handrail, marking their love in the most breathtaking of settings. Along the way, they spotted wildlife, including a bear by the side of the road, making the experience even more memorable. Surrounded by the stunning views of Banff, they felt deeply connected, both to each other and to the beautiful world around them. Both trips—one filled with tropical warmth and the other with mountain majesty—captured the essence of their love: full of adventure, joy, and memories to last forever.

Summer 2024 was spent playing friendly games of tennis, Hansel and Jess also enjoyed tending to their garden, watching it flourish just like their relationship. As autumn approached, they embraced the crisp air and vibrant colors of the season, finding a new love for fall camping. The cool evenings by the campfire and peaceful hikes through the woods became a special way to close out the year, even creating a new tradition of camping every Thanksgiving.

On their 3-year anniversary, Hansel took Jess back to Allan Gardens—to the very spot where they had their first date—to propose. Jess had thought they were simply celebrating their anniversary, unaware that Hansel had been planning the proposal for months. Jess’ love for plants had inspired their first date there, and Hansel knew it was the perfect place to mark the next step in their journey together.

Through it all, Hansel and Jess have always been there for one another, pushing each other to grow while also offering a place of comfort and understanding. They spend their weekdays playing with their cats, Kit and Koop, battling in various board games and eating Hansel’s home cooked meals. On the weekends, they enjoy the simple things in life and embrace their individual hobbies, Jess waters her many houseplants and reads captivating thrillers, and Hansel works on woodworking projects and plays sports. They communicate openly and authentically, never holding back from sharing their true selves. Hansel pushes Jess out of her comfort zone, and Jess reminds Hansel that sometimes it's okay to pause, knowing the adventure will still be there tomorrow.

They are best friends, soulmates, and partners. And their journey, though already rich in memories, is just beginning.