In December 2015, Ben Martindale hosted a birthday dinner at Condado. Phil had met Ben in Columbus through mutual friends, and Tim had known Ben since college—they were in the same fraternity (Phi Kappa Phi). So yes, it was a mutual friend’s birthday party, not Grindr (we know—shocking).

Tim showed up to dinner with one of his best med school friends, Victoria. Phil noticed Tim immediately—something about that smile, the way his eyes smiled with him, and those irresistible dimples. Sensing potential, Phil asked Victoria if Tim was single. She confirmed he was and encouraged Phil to go for it.

Shots were bought, laughs were shared, and by the end of the night, plans were made to hang out again during Tim’s winter break in January.

Phil picked a bottle of one of his favorite wines. They ordered the penne alla vodka and the lamb pappardelle. At the time, Tim almost never went out to dinner—medical school and living off student loans meant a steady diet of peppers and what Phil lovingly called “sad chicken”.

That night, they swapped life stories and made it official. Just not Facebook official—Tim hadn’t come out to his parents yet.

When Tim graduated med school in 2017, it was time to celebrate—big time. Not only did Phil meet Tim’s family for the first time, but it was also Match Day—the day they found out where Tim would spend the next four years in residency. (Phil was crossing all fingers for OSU.)

Meeting the parents couldn’t have gone better. Susan was sweet and welcoming, and Jim could talk your ear off—in the best way.

Then came the big news: Tim matched at OSU!

He moved into Phil’s condo in Columbus's Harrison West neighborhood, marking a major life step together. Before residency began, they took a celebratory 11-day trip to Italy—Florence, Rome, La Spezia, and Cinque Terre. They hiked, museum-hopped, and, most importantly, ate like kings.

Seriously—go to Italy.

Eat. Pray. Eat. Love. Eat. Eat. Love. Eat.

Tim and Phil had talked about marriage for years but were never in a rush. Then in 2024, Phil decided it was time. He ordered rings from Amazon and plotted a surprise during their tradition known as “Razzle Dazzle”—a celebration night for each Hake sibling or significant other's birthday.

It was Tim’s Razzle Dazzle that year. They were at Valentina’s (a favorite Italian spot), when Phil, wearing the rings casually on his fingers, placed them next to Tim. Thinking nothing of it—since Phil often wears rings—Tim started playing with one and slipped it on his finger.

Lindsay (Tim’s sister-in-law) was the only one who caught on to what was happening. Phil then casually popped the question—something like, “Welp, wanna get married?”

Tim blushed and replied (not paraphrasing):

“Sure! But you have to plan it.”

And just like that—they were engaged.

Let’s cut to the chase.

2025, is not the year.

But due to increasing political instability and targeted attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and diversity, Tim and Phil made the decision to legally marry on January 17, 2025, just in case their rights could be taken away in the future.

It was a small gathering with immediate family. Phil’s mom, Terri, asked what he wanted for dinner. Without thinking, he asked for her “Marry Me Chicken”—a favorite. Only later did it dawn on him that the dish’s name was hilariously appropriate. It was delicious. The moment was quiet and perfect.

Special shoutout to August for being there and signing the paperwork!

But while the legal part was done, they still wanted to celebrate in a big way—with all their family, chosen family, and loved ones.

So here we are:

January 17, 2026 — exactly one year later —

BIG MARRIED.