Cole and Lily’s story began way back in 2013 in middle school. Lily’s best friends (back then and still to this day) were neighbors with Cole, and these friends introduced the couple.

Fast forward to 2016, Lily and Cole were officially set up by their friends. Their first date was a Super Bowl party. Aside from the appetizer Cole brought, Lily was drawn to his kind heart, sweet personality, and of course handsome looks. Cole thought Lily was beautiful and loved how she kept every minute interesting; he couldn't even bother to watch the Super Bowl commercials. The rest was history. High school sweethearts!

Cole and Lily both attended The Ohio State University. Together, they earned degrees (Cole in engineering physics with a mechanical specialization and minor in business, Lily in business administration with a marketing specialization and minor in psychology), rooted against the team up north, and enjoyed the college life.

One of their favorite memories together is their road trip out west. They traveled 5,000 miles in 1 month from Ohio to Missouri, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Kentucky. Cole learned it is indeed possible for someone to schedule every minute of every day, and Lily learned how nice it is to date a handy man when your 2005 Jeep breaks down across the country. Their bond had never been stronger.

After graduation, the lovebirds headed south. Lily accepted a job in marketing at Kohl’s, and Cole accepted an engineering job at MasterCraft Boat Company. They made the move to Knoxville, TN, where they enjoy year-round sunshine, hiking in the Smoky Mountains, and plenty of boat weekends. They welcomed Cado to the family, their golden retriever puppy that they love more than anything (even though he would trade them in for a chicken nugget), and they bought their first house, quickly jumping into home renovations.

Their idea of a dream weekend? You guessed it. One of Cole and Lily’s all-time favorite activities together is boating. Whether floating, surfing, or anything in between, they are perfectly content. Thankfully, Cado fits right in.

After 7 and 1/2 wonderful years together, Cole proposed! On an impromptu trip home to Columbus, Lily thought they were on the way to her dad's birthday dinner when Cole got down on a knee, as the sun began to set on a bridge overlooking the river. It was only right to ask her on the bridge, considering Cole’s first ever “proposal” to Lily was asking her to the homecoming dance on a bridge (as pictured above; they didn't jump off this time though). After the proposal, Lily was surprised to find her sister Annie and Cole’s family joining them, and the two families enjoyed a nice dinner together at the Pearl, a special spot for Cole and Lily. The couple went to the Pearl for all their anniversaries in college, mostly for the half-off happy hour menu... They feel so lucky to have each other and their two wonderful families. Forever! They can’t wait to celebrate with all their family and friends so soon!

In case you don’t know either the bride or groom as well, here are some brief introductions.

Hometown: Powell, OH

Hobbies: Scuba diving, cars, watersports, building stuff

High School Sport: Wrestling

Favorite Food: Mac n' cheese or steak

Drink of Choice: IPA beer

#1 Bucket List Item: Scuba dive in Hawaii

Favorite thing about Lily: Her intentionality & thoughtfulness

Favorite Memory Together: Kayaking at Lake Powell in Arizona

Hometown: Powell, OH

Hobbies: Cricut projects, walking Cado, hanging out with friends, telling Cole what to build

High School Sport: Cheerleading

Favorite Food: Any kind of rice or dessert

Drink of Choice: Seltzer or cider

#1 Bucket List Item: Island hop on a boat

Favorite thing about Cole: He is a gentleman #chilvaryisntdead

Favorite Memory Together: Snorkeling with sea turtles in Puerto Rico