While she doesn’t like to admit it, Allie and I first “met” over a swipe on Hinge (a dating app, for those who don’t know). We kept the text conversations short because we both valued getting together for in-person conversation, which I really admired about her. Our first date was casual! We were both playing volleyball at the time and met at High Bank Distillery for a quick beer before going our separate ways. I think we originally set the time close to volleyball to keep the first date brief, but quickly realized that was a mistake. I quickly fell for how passionate she was about caring for people as a radiation therapist, how smart she was while talking about her MBA, and how pretty those blue-green eyes were. I remember we ended the date and started walking our separate ways, and once she got a few steps away, I shouted her name and told her I forgot to give her something, then circled back to give her a big ol’ SMOOCH. From there, we went on to have some of the most fun dates, including coffee & pickleball, attending a Blue Jackets hockey game, cooking her a steak dinner, and many more. Through those dates, I also discovered that Allie was meant to be Casey’s mom. They instantly bonded over endless snuggles, and I think Casey filled a void that Allie didn’t know she had. On any given day, I can come home and find the two of them laying on the couch together, sharing Cheez-Its or leashed up, ready to go on a walk around the park. I’m so lucky to have met Alliegator (I’m sad to say there’s no cute story behind this). She’s the most beautiful, special, and genuine person that I’ve ever met. Life with her has been so fun and easy, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives raising a couple of kids (hopefully including a daughter named Sailor), traveling the world, trying all the best sour beers, and hopefully learning how to swing a golf club better.

Ryan has always made life feel fuller, lighter and happier. From the very beginning, he brought humor, steadiness, and a sense of fun into my world. He’s sarcastic in the best way, endlessly supportive, and has the biggest heart. With him, I feel grounded, encouraged, and completely myself. One of the things I love most about our relationship is how intentional we are about spending time together. We love traveling, golfing, trying new craft beers, and exploring new places, but some of our favorite moments are the simplest ones. In the fall, that often looks like NFL Sundays — snacks on the coffee table, Ryan fully invested in football, and Casey and I inevitably snuggled up next to him, napping through most of the game. It’s our perfect little tradition. Our engagement at Lake Norman was picture perfect. But more than anything, it reminded me just how much I love Ryan. He’s the most handsome, genuine, big-hearted guy I’ve ever met, and I still can’t believe I get to marry him. He’s my best friend and my gentle giant, and together we’ve built a little world that feels so full, so intentional, and completely ours.

Hi, I’m Casey. My dad raised me and will always be my first best friend, but when Allie came into our lives, my world just got even bigger. She quickly became my person. I love her snuggles, our naps together, and being as close to her as possible — always. I go everywhere with them — even the golf course — and on fall Sundays, you’ll usually find me curled up with Mom while Dad watches football. Mom might sneak me a few extra pup cups, which I don’t mind at all. I love our little family so much, and I’m so happy they found each other. Full paw of approval. 🐾