It all started back in 2019 at a house party in Hays, Kansas—go Tigers! That night, Cory spotted Payden and immediately wanted to get her number. But fate had other plans. Payden was with a friend who quickly shut Cory down with a firm “leave her alone.” Not one to give up easily, Cory figured he’d see her around at The Rose (RIP to a Hays classic).

Although nothing came of it then, their paths crossed again a few years later. Payden was deep into PA school, and Cory was just launching his company—both focused on big goals and carving out their futures. Timing wasn’t quite right, and they went their separate ways.

Fast forward to 2024: life had changed, but something still lingered. They reconnected and decided to meet for a date at Emmerson Biggins. From that night on, something just clicked. One date turned into many, and slowly but surely, they began falling in love.

On August 25, 2025, Cory popped the question—and the rest is history in the making.