Grace: "Joey how should we start our story?"

Joey: "What about...First catching each other's eyes on the first day of school at CVCA in Mrs. Bailey's 1st period English class."

So, I guess that really is where it begins...

Joey and I first met in 7th grade at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy. Our graduating class was only 160-some students, so you get to know your classmates pretty well over the six years at CVCA. Joey and I were always friends, but we became good friends when Joey sat behind me in government. Each morning he would ask me how I was doing that day, and usually have an interesting rugby or football story to share. Even though we were close in high school, dating just wasn't a part of our timeline yet.

Fast forward four years to the spring before our college graduations. I was home from Indiana Wesleyan University for Spring Break, and Joey was home for the weekend from Notre Dame College. After church on Sunday morning, my mom recommended we go to Cracker Barrel for lunch. Tommy (my little brother) and I walked in to put our name in when Tommy turned to me and asked, "Isn't that Joey Perella?" Simultaneously, the waitress calls, "Order for Perella!" and I see the very tall and handsome Joey Perella walk over to the counter. I walked over, we chatted about college, graduation, and our post-college jobs, and then he left. My mom asked me who I was talking to, and I responded, "That was Joey Perella from CVCA, and I think he still thinks I'm cute!"

A few weeks later, I got a text that simply said, "Hey! It's Joe Pa!"

To which I responded, "Who?"

After college graduation (for both of us), we started hanging out and eventually began dating. Our first date was Mama Santos in Little Italy, and Joey kept peeking over my shoulder because he thought Freddie Kitchens (the then-new coach of the Browns) was sitting behind us.

Our adventures have taken us to Disney World, Indianapolis, North Carolina, Arkansas, and allllll around Ohio. Upcoming adventures include a new puppy (once I convince Joey), and our first home in Rocky River, Ohio.

Registry