That depends which one of us you ask... It all started in Orlando, FL during homecoming week. Claudia's sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, was paired with Cory's fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. We both knew each other before homecoming week, but only as acquaintances. Finally on 10/13/14, legend has it that Claudia approached Cory at a bar in Orlando. The other legend has it that Cory approached Claudia first... who is to say?? Two days later on 10/15/14, Cory asked Claudia on their first date. When he picked her up in a Hummer, she thought there was no way this would work out. However after he took her to the Farmers Market for their first date and bought them popsicles, she was back onboard! We've been inseparable ever since!

I'll write this section, since it was the best day of my life!! Cory planned the most thoughtful engagement at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, where we had one of our first dates. I later learned that two weeks before the engagement, he walked the garden during his lunch break and picked the exact spot he wanted to propose. He even drew a map for the photographer! Cory's story to me was that we were going "on an adventure" that weekend, and I was pumped! However.... my first tip off came when he all of a sudden mentioned that he "hated the look of my natural nails, I needed to go get a manicure ASAP!" I was appalled..... and then it clicked. The night before our adventure, he wanted to try on our outfits for the next day. When I asked why, he answered he was excited because Covid was going on and we hadn't been on an adventure in so long. The day of the engagement, our way to the gardens, we passed my favorite donut shop. I asked to pull over and he exclaimed "No! we have a tight timeline!" While we were walking around the gardens, I was enjoying every plant along the path. Cory kept pushing me along, I felt like we were practically running through the gardens! I was very confused why he told me to wear wedges if he wanted me running through an outdoor garden. Only a few minutes later was the special moment that Cory got down on his knee. Though I had a hunch, it was still surreal to be living that moment I had dreamed about since a little girl. My first response was "is that ring real???" however I quickly screamed "YES!" If that surprise wasn't enough, Cory had a second surprise planned. He had a small group of family and friends waiting for a surprise engagement party. Getting to celebrate immediately after made the day even more joyful! I couldn't stop smiling the entire day, and was giddy seeing all the "Mrs." decorations!