Morgan and Stephen’s story began in the most modern way—on Facebook. In the eighth grade, Morgan spotted Stephen online and thought he was cute. Taking a playful approach, she messaged him, saying, “My friend thinks you’re cute.” When he asked, “Haha cool, do I know her?” she boldly responded, “Haha yeah, it’s me.” From that moment, she had a feeling he was the one she would marry.

Their connection grew through years of online conversations, forming a cyber friendship throughout high school. Though they had plenty of opportunities to meet in person—including sitting next to each other during the SATs and attending the same prom—they were always too nervous to say hello. Instead, they texted, Skyped, and talked endlessly, building a bond despite the distance.

Fate brought them to Towson University, where their story truly began in person. On the very first night of move-in, Morgan invited Stephen to her dorm. He promptly ate all the snacks her parents had warned her to ration for the semester, but she didn’t mind. They spent countless nights sneaking over to each other’s dorms, discussing aliens, conspiracy theories, and life beyond college. They were like magnets—always spotted together at bars, parties, or simply deep in conversation.

Though they dated other people throughout college, they always found their way back to each other. Between relationships, they would reconnect over long conversations, dinner dates, and Monday and Wednesday study sessions in the LA Café. Morgan made a habit of opening a massive textbook whenever Stephen walked in, hoping to appear intellectual and just out of his league.

After graduation, Stephen decided it was time to make things official. But Morgan, realizing how deeply she felt for him, knew she couldn’t risk playing games anymore. They danced around their feelings until the moment Morgan got a job offer in Texas. The news made everything feel urgent. She invited Stephen to a birthday party in New York that weekend, but he had to work a kids’ camp for the Redskins and couldn’t make it. Disappointed, he felt time slipping away.

Then, fate intervened. The morning of the camp, Morgan woke up to an excited phone call—Stephen’s camp had been canceled, and he was already on his way to her family’s beach house, eager to spend the weekend together. Thrilled, she rushed around, alerting her family that Stephen Marlo was finally coming. Her mom, who had heard about him since Morgan was 14, was especially excited to meet him.

That night, they wandered Ocean City, ending up at the iconic Seacrets nightclub. Under the glow of string lights and the buzz of summer, Stephen finally pulled Morgan in for a kiss. Outside, at a Corona-themed cocktail table, he confessed what she had always known—he had always loved her. He couldn’t let her leave for Texas without telling her. Without hesitation, she simply smiled and said, “Texas isn’t that far.”

And the rest is history.

Through long distance, a pandemic, multiple moves across state lines, buying a home, and raising two dogs, their story has only grown stronger. Now, it’s only fitting that Morgan finally becomes Morgan Marlo