Chris and Cassidy’s paths first crossed in high school at St. Francis DeSales, but that isn't where their love story begins. In fact, they barely spoke back then! It wasn’t until after college that they reconnected, and sparks began to fly—though not immediately.

Their first chance encounter was in August 2018 at Odd Fellows bar in Columbus, Ohio. A mutual friend, Brendan O'Connell, had dragged Chris along for Cassidy’s birthday outing. Chris spent most of that night chatting with Cassidy’s mom, Cheri, who quickly approached Cassidy saying, "Who is this Chris kid? He's cute—you should date him!" Cassidy's initial reaction was, "Chris Kurek from high school?! I don't think so." But Cheri had successfully planted a seed.

A few months later, during Thanksgiving, Chris and Cassidy ran into each other again at Zeno’s bar in Columbus. This time, Cassidy thought, 'Huh... Chris Kurek is kind of cute' and later that night she confided to her friend, Claire, "I think I have a crush on Chris!" To which Claire responded, "Yeah, we can all tell!" Chris must have felt the same way because he asked her out on a date a few weeks later. Dates turned into weekend trips to visit him in Detroit, and it quickly became clear that this was something special.

Though both were hesitant to make things official—Cassidy wasn’t thrilled about dating someone in Detroit, and Chris wasn’t keen on long-distance—they couldn't deny their growing connection. Chris managed to make Cassidy fall in love with Detroit, just as she was falling in love with him. After about a year of dating, Cassidy packed her things and moved into his 650 sq ft apartment in Midtown, Detroit!

Moving in together is a big step in any relationship, but moving in together in March 2020 made things extra exciting/terrifying! The same weekend Cassidy made the big move, Michigan announced a lockdown. Chris and Cassidy spent their first months together in full quarantine mode, going from seeing each other every few weekends to spending 24/7 together in a cozy one-bedroom apartment. It was a true test of their relationship, and they passed with flying colors, enjoying their time together immensely.

After a memorable year in Detroit filled with new friends, warehouse after-parties, techno music, and late-night bites, Chris moved Cassidy even further north to Petoskey, Michigan. (Wow, she must really love him!) They both fell in love with Northern Michigan: days spent on the water, hiking, skiing, or just enjoying the view from their front porch.

Now, they cannot wait to share the beauty of Northern Michigan with their closest friends and family as they celebrate their love and commitment to each other!

The moral of the story is: Always listen to your mother... turns out she was right about that goofy kid from high school!