While Tinder horror stories [1] are all too common for some of us, there are real-life happy couples out there who give us hope for finding love online. This is Dean, who became known as the "ridiculously happy marine" after posting photos on Imgur [2] two years ago that quickly went viral. He soon became somewhat of an Internet celebrity, but he really caught the attention of one woman in particular. Now, years later, the two are dating in real life [3] and couldn't be happier — or more adorable!

"I stalked this Imgurian celebrity for long enough . . . I sent him a message and hoped he would respond," Francesca, Dean's now-girlfriend, wrote in her own post [4]. "He did!" she continued. "Turns out he lived just a couple towns over, just my luck! We stayed in touch and ended up meeting over a year later."

Well, that worked out. Keep reading to see how their story played out on Imgur, and see what they're up to today. Spoiler: it's ridiculously sweet.

Francesca kept seeing Dean's photos online and thought he was really cute.

I mean, how could you not? That smile is contagious.

So she sent him a message. Here's their first conversation on Imgur two years ago.

"Easy to say on the interwebs." Swoon.

. . . And here they are now.

UGH.

THEY'RE SO CUTE IT HURTS.

No, seriously. They have an Instagram together called Ridiculously Happy Couple [5]. We're not sure if we should be filled with joy or jealousy; probably a little bit of both. Here's to hoping this will inspire others to make a move online, because you never know what could happen!