On a scorching June day in the middle of the COVID pandemic, Mike had one simple goal—hit the local pool, kick back with his boys, and enjoy a few brewskis. But fate (and maybe a little bit of liquid courage) had other plans.

After a few drinks and plenty of shenanigans, Mike glanced across the pool and suddenly, the world stopped. Enter: Tori. Gracefully striding in like a gazelle, she was the most beautiful sight Mike had ever seen. He was frozen. Stunned. Awestruck. Naturally, the only solution was… more drinks.

As the sun set and the moment of truth arrived, Mike finally made his move. With the confidence of a man who had just enough beer but not too much beer, he casually draped an arm around Tori (classic move) and asked if she’d join him for dinner at his all-time favorite spot—El Cerro. Over queso and margaritas, sparks flew. They both knew this could be something special.

A few months of disc golf battles, Just Dance showdowns, and countless laughs later, they made things official on September 20, 2020. Their love truly stood the test in early 2021 when they both got COVID at the same time and were forced into quarantine together. Fourteen days. One room. No escape. But instead of misery, it was a time filled with love, sushi, and Marvel movie marathons. Luckily for Mike, COVID had taken his sense of smell—so he was blissfully unaware of Tori’s stinky farts.

Later that year, they both graduated from NC State (GO PACK!) and celebrated with their first big vacation together—Hawaii. Between devouring poke bowls, lounging on the beach, and making new friends, it was a trip to remember. But eventually, real life called. Tori stayed in Raleigh to gain medical experience on her path to becoming a Physician Assistant, while Mike took an engineering job in Rock Hill, SC. Many weekends were spent making the trek back and forth until they finally decided—why not just live in the same place?

Rock Hill became home, filled with trivia nights, brewery tastings, and their greatest adventure yet: adopting their chaotic yet lovable cat, Steve. But life had bigger plans. Tori got accepted into PA school at MUSC in Charleston, and as luck (or love) would have it, Mike’s new job allowed him the flexibility to follow her there. But before making the move, they embarked on a dream trip to Iceland—soaking in geothermal pools, exploring glaciers, and, most importantly, getting engaged at the breathtaking Diamond Beach.

Charleston quickly became their favorite place they had ever lived, with its stunning beaches, incredible restaurants, and historic charm. They knew almost instantly—this was the place they wanted to get married. Over the next two years, they built a life here, made amazing friends, picked up new hobbies (like surfing!), and added one final furry family member: Folly, their beloved dog, named after their favorite beach.

And now, after years of adventures, laughter, and a whole lot of love, they can’t wait to celebrate the next chapter—surrounded by the people who have been part of their journey from the very start.