Meant to be—that’s the best way to describe our story. We grew up together, attended the same schools, shared mutual friends, and even lived less than a mile apart at one point. But it took many years after high school for our paths to truly cross.

It all began on a warm Sunday afternoon in July at a barbecue. Carrie invited Abby to Ben’s, and Ben had invited Chris. And just like that, fate stepped in. That was the day we saw each other again—the day our story truly began.

Chris:

A simple Sunday Funday barbecue turned into the start of something extraordinary. When Abby walked through the door, she was even more beautiful than I remembered from over 30 years ago. It was love at first sight! We spent the entire day talking, completely lost in conversation, and when it was time for her to leave, she told me to call her later that night. That call lasted five hours—just like two kids who couldn’t stop talking. The next day? Seven hours! Who does that?

From that moment on, we’ve never been apart. We became best friends, partners, and soulmates, filling our days with laughter and pure joy. Over the past year, we’ve traveled to Los Angeles, London, Toronto, the beach, and so many places in between, making incredible memories along the way.

I still can’t believe how lucky I am that she showed up to that random barbecue—it changed my life forever. And you know what? She’s even more beautiful now than ever. I can’t wait to spend forever with her.

Abby:

As you get older and haven’t found your person, you start to wonder if it will ever happen. That’s exactly where I was in life—until that Sunday afternoon in July. The moment I walked through Ben’s front door and saw Chris standing there, I just knew. He was the person I had been searching for all this time.

Chris is the best person I know—brilliant, fiercely loyal, so funny, handsome, kind, and always there when you need him. My life is so much better with him in it, and for the first time, I am truly happy. I can’t wait to spend forever with him.

Thank you Carrie and Ben! (The Boxcar)