In September 2021, Lizzie had just started her Fulbright grant to Kazakhstan and found herself planning her Christmas vacation. One of the countries she planned on visiting was Finland, so she spent a few dollars on Tinder passport and started swiping in Helsinki.

Lauri found himself looking Lizzie's profile and wondering what an American could possibly be doing in Kazakhstan. Intrigued, he swiped right.

It was a match!

They started talking every day via text. During Lauri's birthday trip to Spain with his friends, he called Lizzie at 5 AM to tell her he had a crush on her.

They have never missed a day calling or speaking to each other since.

Lauri and Lizzie have traveled to twelve countries together and counting, and made the biggest trip of all when they decided to move to Germany together.

They are excited to celebrate their new adventure together with their family and friends.