Karissa Burnson was born in Saratoga Springs, New York, and raised between the quiet beauty of Rockford, Michigan, and the vibrant energy of Chicago, Illinois. Ovidiu Szocs was born and raised across the world in the picturesque town of Sibiu, Romania. At age 15, Ovidiu moved with his family to the Chicago suburbs — just a couple of years after Karissa had made the same move at age 13. Two lives, unknowingly orbiting the same space.

The odds of meeting? Slim to none. Yet fate, with a modern twist, had other plans.

Their worlds finally collided through the unpredictable magic of Tinder. Ovidiu sent a witty one-liner, hoping to catch Karissa’s attention. Little did they know, that playful message would spark a connection that would one day lead to marriage. What began as a lighthearted message turned into something far deeper — a connection neither of them could have anticipated.

Their bond grew over shared passions: health, fitness, animals, and a sense of humor that kept them laughing through it all. Opposites in many ways, yet perfectly balanced — true yin and yang. What started as a swipe turned into a story, a partnership, and a future.

And now, surrounded by the people who love them most, they begin a new chapter — not just as partners, but as a family. From chance encounter to forever love, Karissa and Ovidiu are proof that sometimes, the right person is just a message away.

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