It began one chilly February evening in 2017, when Justin saw a social-media post from his best man, Sam, about openings at Lucky Strike; An arcade, bowling alley, and bar all in one. Always wanting to work at an Arcade and Bowling Alley, he signed on as a Kitchen Expo. On his very first shift, he spotted Carol, the server whose curly hair and dancing freckles lit up every lane.

They clicked before that shift ended. Carol needed a ride home and loved Jeeps, so Justin happily offered (since he luckily drove one) and they quickly became inseparable. Soon their Detroit and Warren hangouts became Parks and Recreation marathons, Justin forcing 😉 Carol through the Star Wars saga, Carol introducing Justin to horror-movie nights, and epic video-game sessions spanning her favorites like Zelda and his favorite classic titles.

Tiny rituals proved how perfectly they fit: Carol ate only the Oreo cookies (she does not like the filling), leaving the cream for Justin; she only liked flats and he preferred drumsticks; and they both agreed that mushrooms do not belong on veggie pizza.

They moved in together in Warren shortly before the world shut down in 2020, and their relationship deepened through shared passions for their pets, video games, movies, and everything spooky.

In October of 2023, they closed on their first home together in Roseville, and just a few days later on Friday the 13th Justin knelt in the Haunted Mansion at Disney World and asked Carol to marry him. Now they are preparing to jump the broom, ready for more Jeep rides, laughs, and a lifetime of growing together.