Melissa was hosting her sister's bachelorette party and Alex was enjoying the night life with his friends at Hot Fish Social Club in Murrell's Inlet. With the help of their respective wingmen (and women), Alex was encouraged to make a move on the bridal group and much to his surprise he knew the bride from his college days at NC state. In true "How I met your mother fashion" Melissa's sister, Megan, quickly acted and introduced Alex to Melissa, "have you met my sister." Melissa and Alex shag danced the night away, Alex got Melissa's number, and the rest was history...for now.

For the next couple of months, Melissa and Alex flirted with each other over texts, Alex traveled to Chapel Hill, NC for pool dates, putt putt and lunches at Weaver Street, and Melissa made her way back to Murrells Inlet/Pawley's Island for kayaking, beach days and beach life livin'. Unfortunately, Melissa had to focus on completing grad school and Alex had some adventures to accomplish of his own so Melissa told Alex that this wasn't the right time but "hit me up if you ever make it back to NC."

In 2020, Alex finally made it back to NC and settled in Greensboro. Much to Melissa's surprise, Alex took her up on the offer and reached out to her. Melissa had convinced herself that single life was far superior to a relationship but after the 3rd attempt of Alex reaching out, the start of COVID, and Melissa giving into Alex's charismatic ways; Melissa made her way to downtown Greensboro to meet for tacos for an outdoor social distancing dinner date. Melissa will forever be grateful for Alex's perseverance and Alex will forever be grateful for Melissa's ability to give him a second chance.

"Timing is everything. If it’s meant to happen, it will, at the right time for the right reasons." – Anonymous

Alex and Melissa have grown a lot since their first dance in 2018, however, both agree that the past few years together have been the most adventurous and worthwhile. After going back and forth between Durham and Greensboro, eventually moving halfway to Burlington and then finally settling down and buying a forever home in Greensboro, NC, Alex made it official in September 2022 and asked Melissa to marry him in one of their favorite places, New Bern, NC. Melissa says it was "the easiest yes ever." They both can't wait to continue to celebrate their happily ever after with you!