On the morning of August 27th, 2018, Hunter stepped into her first job orientation, a mix of excitement and apprehension coursing through her. It was there she met Marcus Ray, a colleague who immediately struck her as someone significant, earning the unspoken title of “IT Boy” in her mind.

Over the following four months, their interactions remained mostly casual, revolving around Hunter’s recurring computer issues—a mysterious occurrence that left her wondering if Marcus played a hidden role. Their conversations often danced around their college rivalries, with Marcus teasing Hunter about Michigan State’s football team while he championed the University of Michigan. Yet, despite the underlying competition, a genuine friendship began to form, anchored in mutual respect and shared humor.

One December evening, a spark of mischief led them to conspire against their co-workers, decorating the office with an array of holiday decorations and even surprising a colleague they found particularly insufferable with a beta fish. The laughter that filled the office as they reveled in their playful sabotage hinted at a deeper connection.

To pass the time while their co-workers cleared out, Marcus suggested they visit a dive bar in Detroit known as Checker Bar, a place his father had introduced him to years before. What was meant to be a quick outing turned into an unforgettable night, stretching over eight hours. With each drink, the walls of formality between them dissolved, allowing Hunter and Marcus to become closer.

As the night wore on, Hunter and Marcus shared more than just laughter; they exchanged their dreams, fears, and vulnerabilities. The dimly lit bar, with its gritty atmosphere, became a backdrop for their evolving relationship. In that space, amidst the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation, they both felt the undeniable shift—the realization that their connection ran deeper than friendship.

For the next four years, Hunter and Marcus would build a special relationship, each helping the other grow and becoming each other’s anchors. They would purchase a house on Marter Road, welcome a spirited dog named Parvati into their lives, and follow their dreams by moving to Seattle.

Flashing forward to the evening of May 18th, 2022 in Cabo, Hunter and Marcus' bond would be solidified even further. In a moment charged with emotion, Marcus decided to bend the knee and ask Hunter to spend forever together.

From that moment on, the Checker Bar became a cherished part of their story, a reminder of how their paths had intertwined. What began as a playful rivalry had evolved into a deep, abiding love, enriched by shared experiences and unwavering support. Their journey together was no longer just about friendship; it was a commitment to building a life side by side. With every passing day, they embraced the adventure of partnership, knowing that together they could navigate whatever life brought their way, forging a bond that promised to endure through all lifetimes.

Written by: Hunter Callender, future Mrs. Ray