Cupid did more than OK with perfect Portland couple

When OkCupid.com connected Amy Oliveria and Aubrey Perry, the little cherub’s arrow — although on the right course — took a while to reach its intended targets. The site had appealed to both online dating newcomers’ hopes that they would meet that perfect someone. However, when Aubrey first contacted Amy, it took her some time to conclude that he was, in fact, Mr. Perfect-for-her. “What made me contact her, outside of our “match rating,” was this fun picture of her that looked like she was kissing a wax model of Brad Pitt,” said Aubrey. “To me…it said she was lively, fun, and someone that was fun to be around. She was also very pretty! Apparently, though, my message didn’t make an instant impression because she replied a few days later, but it was short.” In fact, it wasn’t until six months later, in May 2009, after Amy’s prior relationship had “crashed and burned,” that she found Aubrey’s email in her in-box and gave it another thought. The two Portland, Ore., transplants—Amy from Coeur d’Alene and Aubrey from Oklahoma City, Okla. —knew they had a lot in common from their online profiles, but soon discovered more. They were both graduate students at Portland State University, shared the same faith, both loved coffee, the same music, movies and TV shows, and playing board games. So after a whirlwind week of emails and text messages about “super romantic topics like cornbread, musicals, and the best sandwich places in Portland,” they decided it was time they meet, choosing a cool jazz club in downtown Portland called Jimmy Mak’s. Aubrey’s first thought when he saw Amy was, “Dang…she’s even better looking in person.” Amy’s first thought was “I don’t think he’s actually 5‘9…he seems shorter.” A bottle of white wine later and they knew it was something special. A woman nearby even commented on what a cute couple they were and asked how long they’d been together. It was obvious; they had found their perfect fit. “Aubrey is fun and goofy, full of life, and a very authentic person; he taught me Latin dance steps in a Regal Cinemas parking lot on our second date,” laughs Amy. “He’s also thoughtful and a good listener—he has this notebook that he writes things down in to remember, like when he brought me my favorite cookie on that same date.” However, that date was the last they would see each other in person for two weeks, except for 30 minutes in the Portland airport. Aubrey had flown home for a week and was just returning the day Amy’s plane was heading back to Idaho for the following week. Although brief, the reunion reinforced what they both had felt—that their relationship was quickly taking off as well. Two years later—after many trips to Canon Beach, spending rainy days reading in cozy coffee shops and nights listening to local music, eating chocolate covered Nutter-Butters and playing Monopoly—Aubrey proposed, surprising Amy at Portland’s Rose Garden, where she thought she was just taking a stroll with a friend. With the big date set for Aug. 24, 2012, at the historic Eliot Chapel in Portland, the two best friends are finding it difficult at times to balance school and planning a wedding but keep looking forward to the day they’ll be married. Like the relationship that was well worth waiting for, Amy and Aubrey know that a long life together—filled with the promise of laughter and daily adventure where they continue to explore the great city of Portland and all that life beyond has to offer—is waiting patiently for them on the other side.