Our story starts at a bar, where nearly all good stories start (or bad ones, depending on your taste.) The details are smudged, but if you take off your glasses, rub your eyes, and squint, it's...well...us. And that's romantic.

—

In December 2019, Ellen, wearing grandma's Christmas cardigan, walks into a bar with friends. They drink their drinks and, right on cue, begin scream-singing Disney songs.* It's important to note that Ellen is not a Disney adult, but girlhood demands that these songs be sung loudly.

Seated on the other side of the bar, Stephen spots Ellen. He characteristically chooses subtlety, finds an open table next to hers, and convinces his friends to move with him.

Ellen, noticing her new neighbor, whispers to her friend, "See that guy in the gray? He's pretty cute." "Well, go talk to him!" nudges the friend. Ellen gets shy. "No, no. I'm too scared." The friend seeing an opportunity says, "Well if you don't, then I will." Ellen, hating to lose, shoots out of her seat and inserts herself into Stephen's conversation. Albeit clumsily, her interruption seems to work.

Stephen and his friends entertain her presence, even participating in banter and laughter. Stephen begins talking with Ellen about his wok— you read that right: "wok" not "work." Deciding that his wok was the sign she'd been waiting for (this man can cook), Ellen stays by his side for the rest of the night.

Since that night, Ellen and Stephen are inseparable. They've traveled around the world together, building a partnership on a foundation of steady love, lasting respect, and daily fits of laughter.

You'd be right to assume that Stephen continues to use his wok, lovingly cooking for the two of them, while Ellen's next to him in the kitchen still singing just a little too loudly. They are happy. They are in love. They are getting married.

*Steve later told Ellen he did not like her song choice. Nevertheless, he persisted.

—

The next chapter of our story includes you, reader. Come help us turn the page by celebrating with us.

- E & S