Once upon a time, not that long ago, Cory Collings reached the ripe old age of 40. As this was a large accomplishment, a party was held in his honor. Erin, Cory's sister-in-law, was invited to attend this event, in addition to Lisa Kaye (Jordan's Aunt) as she had known the Collings for many years. Jordan was suggested to Erin as a potential suitor that night, and likely due to some liquid courage, she decided to reach out and send a message.

After a couple weeks of messaging they decided that they should meet up for a date. What's the worst that could happen right? On a rainy Memorial Day in Grayling we met for lunch at Michigan Brew (it closed under suspicious circumstances shortly after our visit) and for a walk down by the Au Sable River. For all we knew, the other person could have been a serial killer. Apparently this was not the case, or one of us is playing the long game.

A couple weeks later, we decided that another date wouldn't be a terrible idea so we met up for a round of golf and dinner in Au Gres. We impressed each other with our golf skills (or lack thereof).

On June 28, 2024, Jordan asked Erin to be his girlfriend. That night also included the first of many dinners at Route 23 BBQ in East Tawas. The real test came the following weekend at the Sweet Farm Centennial party where Jordan was introduced to pretty much the entire Sweet family, family friends, most of Alcona County, and a good portion of Iosco county, totaling well north of 400 people.

After many dates and trips together since then, including Hocking Hills, the Great Smoky Mountains, Jordan proposed to Erin on July 3, 2024. We celebrated with dinner at Route 23 BBQ.

In our typical fashion of things being quite hectic, we decided a New Year's Eve wedding was appropriate. And of course Route 23 BBQ will be catering the wedding.

We cannot wait to celebrate with all of you!

Fairy tales really do come true.