7 | 26 | 2025

Maria and Audric’s story began at Case Western Reserve University, but their families had been connected long before that! Audric & Maria's parents met as friends studying at CWRU, Audric’s dad (Brad) was Maria’s dad’s (John) big in Phi Delta Theta, and their moms (Colleen & Liz) went to the same high school! Maria’s mom even went to homecoming with Audric’s uncle (Emil) and adored Audric's grandma (Barb), her high school librarian. There’s even a baby photo of the two of them together—proof that their paths were always meant to cross! Over the years, they’d hear about each other through family, spot one another on Christmas cards, and occasionally find themselves at the same gatherings—like when both ended up at Flannery’s celebrating the Cavs’ 2016 championship win, it really is such a small world! Everything changed when Maria got accepted to CWRU, following in her parents footsteps. Audric was one of the only people she knew of at CWRU, as he was a year older than her, so she reached out with questions about dorms—partly for advice, partly as a reason to talk to someone she thought was cute ;) Not long after school started, Audric invited her to his friend’s (Charlie - groomsman) soccer game to help her feel more at home on campus. Maria thought it might be a date, but quickly realized that wasn’t the case when they ended up meeting up and sitting with a bunch of Audric’s fraternity brothers (Jack - groomsman & friends). That night, Maria decided to make things clear and texted him, asking if they could hang out, just the two of them. He said yes—and everything fell into place from there. Since then, their relationship has blossomed and they’ve been together for over five years! They live in an apartment in downtown Cleveland, and they own two cats together! One of Audric & Maria’s favorite parts about their relationship is the friendship between their two families. Their parents often go to concerts together, Maria’s dad invited Audric into his fantasy football league, Maria adores Audric’s younger cousins, who will be in the wedding, and Audric & Maria’s siblings who attend Ohio State even hang out with each other! Together, they’ve built a life full of meaningful friendships, new family traditions, and so much fun. From the very beginning, Maria always had a feeling that Audric was the one. Over the years, that feeling has only grown stronger. They’re so grateful for every step that brought them to this moment and can’t wait to celebrate their wedding day surrounded by the people they love most.