Once upon a time, in the midst of a global pandemic, two adventurous souls embarked on a journey that began online, on a dating app. It was January 2021 when Corey and Ashley's digital dance of emojis, cat pics, and the occasional mischievous meme ignited a spark that refused to be contained within the boundaries of mere texts. The virtual world was their playground, and they reveled in it.

As the pandemic haze lingered, a daring and rather audacious decision was made – to transcend the virtual and embrace the tangible reality of an in-person meeting. Thus, their fate was sealed, and on a fateful day, Corey's heart went on a rollercoaster ride at the sight of Ashley walking into Yorgos. It wasn't caffeine-induced jitters; no, it was the magic of a first gaze that set their story in motion.

As the months melted away, marked by escapades up & down interstate 64 (usually in the express lanes to dodge traffic), they would see each other for a deliciously prepared dinner at Ashley's or indulge in the comforts of Corey's home with takeout. In either case, cats were involved. That summer, Corey took the leap and popped the question – would Ashley move in with him? A resounding "Yes" marked the beginning of a charming chapter, where two souls found their shared haven, joined by the lively trio of mischievous felines – Luna, Tora, and Bella.

Ah, the cats - their integration was a tale of persistence, requiring more than a dash of patience and a sprinkling of hope, as they transformed from wary strangers to partners in crime. It consisted of a not-so good-first encounter and then an additional 6 months of trial and error after the big move. Eventually, the trio transformed into a harmonious band of mischief-makers, akin to three peas in a delightfully chaotic pod, leaving a trail of laughter and shenanigans in their wake.

After Ashley finally moved in, Corey came to realize that she turned out to be the missing puzzle piece that he never knew he needed – the ultimate "can't-live-without-you" revelation. In the midst of sun-soaked days and starlit nights, amidst shared laughter over anime marathons and whispered exchanges over audiobook plots, Corey and Ashley's story wove into an intricate tapestry of companionship. Walks around the shimmering lake, cheers at soccer games, tantalizing meals savored, and the enjoyment of Ashley's father's Twitch streams - every experience, every moment, were brushstrokes on the canvas of their shared life.

But even in a tale as captivating as theirs, in a moment of solitude during an August 2022 spiritual retreat, Corey was struck with undeniable clarity – he wanted to hold Ashley's hand for eternity. However, a span of eight months elapsed before the eagerly anticipated proposal materialized in March 2023, when Corey finally proposed. Ashley of course said "Yes" a second time.

And so, with hearts brimming with affection and excitement, Corey & Ashley eagerly look forward to embracing the next chapter of their blossoming journey, celebrating their love together on April 20th, 2024.

Registry