We met on 11/27/2020 after swiping right on Bumble, Hinge, and probably a few other apps—let’s be real! It took five matches (!!!) before we finally connected. One night, while Dragana (“LJ(Ubav)”) was back in her hometown of Osijek, she decided to respond, and we started chatting. Before we knew it, we were planning our first date for when she returned to DC.

That fall evening in DC turned into something magical. What started as grabbing a drink turned into hours of nonstop laughs, a few extra rounds, crepes, and the beginning of something special. We went on a few dates, but, as they say, “timing is everything,” and 2020 wasn’t it for us.

Fast forward a few years: life kept moving, but we couldn’t seem to shake each other. Something kept pulling us back together. Then, one random October evening, I sent her a text: “Can we be friends again?” That message flipped the script. We started hanging out more, blending friendship with something deeper, and before long, things just clicked.

The next two years were a whirlwind of happiness. We traveled the world, bonded with each other’s families, made amazing memories with friends, and became inseparable. In the summer of 2024, I popped the question in her all-time favorite city, Split. Croatia had been on my bucket list, and Split holds a special place in her heart—fate, right? On July 24, 2024, I asked my Ubav to marry me. We celebrated all summer across Europe—London, Croatia, Montenegro, Belgrade—and came home as an engaged couple!

We couldn’t imagine a better place than Croatia to bring our families together, enjoy an unforgettable trip, and create new memories as we continue this journey. So, mark your calendars! On July 4th, 2025, we’d love for you to join us in the stunning city of Trogir, Croatia—just a short drive from where we got engaged.

We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you!

Dragana & Martin