⚠️ Warning ⚠️

This story is not intended to encourage workplace romances. We take no responsibility for ideas you may get from reading this. Workplace relationships could land you in hot water with HR. Proceed at your own risk.

Now that we’ve covered our bases… we met while at work together at 84.51°. Mitchell was a developer, Stephanie was the scrum master. We spent almost a year working side by side—solving problems, tackling conflicts, and learning a whole lot about how each other worked. Through this time we also got to know each other personally (without totally admitting we liked each other). Over time, we’d find ourselves staying late after work just talking. Neither of us had the guts to make a move—which, to be fair, we were at work, so it felt a little tricky.

The turning point came during 84.51’s unofficial holiday bar crawl. Most of our team showed up, and as the drinks flowed, conversations got easier. As the night went on and people started heading home, we somehow ended up at a table—just the two of us—still deep in conversation. We talked for hours until one of our not so sober coworkers stumbled over and blurted out, “Look at you two over here talking. You guys would make a really cute couple!” Cue the awkward laughs, some shifty eye contact, and both of us suddenly realizing… huh, maybe they're right?

The night ended with Mitchell walking Stephanie to her car (cute, right?). But despite the moment and the obvious spark… he still didn’t ask for her number.

A few days later at work, the office buzz was all about sports betting finally being legal in Ohio. Mitchell casually mentioned he had already signed up and offered to send anyone a referral link for $100 in free bets. Stephanie saw her opportunity (hello, perfect excuse) and said, “Sure, send me the link.” And for some reason—neither of us can explain why—Stephanie didn’t give Mitchell her number, and Mitchell didn’t ask for it. We both just…left the office that day. Numberless.

Now here’s where things get a little questionable. Mitchell had two options:

Wait and hope another opportunity came up.

Do the totally not weird or creepy thing and use our work site to find Stephanie’s number.

Naturally, Mitchell chose option #2. Later that day, Stephanie got a text from Mitchell with his referral link. (We’re calling it resourceful, not creepy.)

We texted back and forth for a few days until finally deciding to bet on a game together and go to a bar to watch the game. The following weekend, we met up for lunch… and that lunch turned into an all-day date. Hours of talking, zero awkward moments, and by the end of the day, it just felt right. From that moment on, we were pretty much inseparable. Or, as our friends like to say: “He came over for lunch and never left.” And honestly? They’re not wrong.

Within 2-3 weeks, Mitchell had basically moved in. Two months later, we took our first trip together—to Gatlinburg (feels pretty full circle right? ). From there, life together took off.

Since then, we’ve traveled to Japan, India, Maryland, Colorado, Indiana, Florida, Lake Erie, and have a Southern Caribbean cruise lined up. It’s been nothing but adventures, laughs, cats, and questionable sports bets ever since.

And now? We’re heading back to Gatlinburg—the place where we took our first trip together—to get married and make even more unforgettable memories with the people we love most.

We can’t wait to kick off this next adventure with you all. So pack your party shoes and get ready—because this weekend is less about “I do” and more about one hell of a celebration.