Our Relationship

If you ask either of us how we met, we’d both probably smirk and say, “Well, it was fate… with a little help from Brian Corrigan.”

In 2021, on a Friday night like any other, our dear friend Brian introduced us at a place where we had both found freedom—though neither of us expected to find love there too. Gary, ever the quiet and mysterious type, intrigued me immediately. I, on the other hand, am not one to shy away from conversation. It took a little fellowshipping (and probably some food) to get Gary to open up, but once he did, I discovered his humor, warmth, and that laugh that could make anyone’s day better.

For a while, we crossed paths sporadically on Friday nights—me juggling night school, him maintaining his signature coolness. But in 2022, things took a turn when Gary (in a moment of great courage, if you ask him) asked me to join him at a 4th of July BBQ. Little did we know, fireworks wouldn’t just be in the sky that night. From that moment on, we were inseparable.

Fast-forward to a quiet Sunday Morning… Me, completely in the moment, singing Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 like I was on stage. Gary was nearby, watching with the softest smile, and as I later learned, feeling something big in his heart.

This is it,” he thought. “This is the woman I’m going to marry.

Now, my moment of clarity came a little differently. One night, Gary cooked me macaroni and sauce, complete with a charcuterie board of fancy Italian cheeses. Now, if you know me, you know Italian food is my love language. At that moment, staring at this man who not only made me laugh but also fed me well, I thought, “Yep, I’m marrying this one.”

And on May 7, 2023, he made it official—Gary got down on one knee, and I said YES!

We are beyond excited to start this new chapter together, knowing that no matter where life takes us, we’ll always have laughter, love, and (thankfully) a lifetime supply of pasta.

Cheers to forever!

— Jess & Gary