Katie and Greg met in January 2022 at a sushi restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina. Katie entered the date with zero expectations—she didn’t know much about Greg or what he did for a living. Little did she know that Greg had traveled over an hour to the restaurant, spending more time in the car than he did at dinner. As it turned out, they didn't need much time to decide if they liked one another anyway. Greg and Katie clicked instantly, connecting over shared family values and a similar sense of humor. They continued dating, enjoying activities like ice skating, Hurricanes hockey games and plenty of stops at Moe’s burgers, and when apart, stayed in touch via text and Yellowstone memes. However, it wasn’t until Greg initiated the “what are we” conversation over FaceTime one month after their first date that they made it official.

The two dated long-distance for a year and a half (or as Katie and Greg liked to call it, mid-distance), traveling back and forth the 70 miles between Raleigh and Southern Pines and exploring all each city had to offer. This, of course, included lots of UNC football, trips to Betsey’s Crepes and long walks under the towering oak trees of North Carolina. In July 2023, Greg received new work orders and the couple planned their move to Colorado. Although Katie didn't have any desire to leave her home state, she knew if she didn’t move with Greg, it would likely be the end of their time together. So she packed up her 1-bedroom apartment and drove with Greg for 26 hours to the other side of the country. Two flat tires and a damaged car carrier later—yes, in addition to driving a 16-foot-long Penske truck, they also towed Katie’s car—they finally arrived to their new home.

As Katie and Greg navigated their new life together in Colorado, one thing became abundantly clear: they could not envision life without the other. Five months after their move to Colorado, Greg proposed to Katie on December 3rd, 2023, against the snowy backdrop of their favorite park. Obviously, Katie said yes or you would not be reading this story right now.

Since their engagement, Greg and Katie have stayed busy exploring their mountainous home, including trips to Steamboat Springs and Telluride, chasing after their sweet puppy Forrest, and of course, wedding planning. They are so excited to celebrate their upcoming nuptials with their loved ones in the Lowcountry of Charleston, a place that holds a special place in the couple’s heart, as Katie spends every summer vacationing down the road in Hilton Head Island with family.

Although Katie and Greg have enjoyed new experiences in Colorado, they are excited to move back to the East Coast next year, where the two plan to settle down and start their family in North Carolina.