m r. & m r s . s t r a u s s

More than a decade ago, an invisible string tied Cody's and Celia's paths together. Both working for the same catering company, they ended up in the right place at the right time. What began as a work connection soon turned into a true friendship filled with late-night caterings, good conversation, and laughter. Fast forward to Memorial Day weekend in 2015. Cody texted Celia and asked a question that, at the time, she did not know would change the course of their lives. "Will you come to St. Teresa Beach with me?" That first night at the beach, the bonfire, and Cody's friends – it was the perfect setting. A sudden storm rolled in, and while most people scattered, Cody wrapped his arms around Celia for the first time. Swaying, laughing and signing in the rain, something magical clicked. That night, they stayed up talking, sharing stories, and trading back scratches. That beach trip ended, but it didn't feel like enough. So, they decided to hang out again the next day, and the next, and the next... Next thing they knew, eight years had flown by, and they found themselves heading out on yet another beach trip, this time to 30A for an art show. It's hard to describe, but the day was calm and blissful – they woke up slowly, cooked breakfast together, walked down to the beach and sat for hours, sharing life stories by the ocean and asking one another deep questions, joking that it felt 'too perfect.' As they headed home to change for the art show, Cody insisted they go back to the beach one more time to catch the sunset before heading out for the night. Cody & Celia love a good sunset, so Celia quickly obliged and thought nothing of it. They walked down to the beach with polaroid camera in hand, and there, with the ocean and a small group of close family as their witness, he pulled out his mother's ring from his pocket and asked another life-changing question, 'Will you marry me?' Since that magical night, we've been wrapped up in the joy of engagement, eagerly anticipating the next chapter. Our love story is taking us to Santorini, Greece, on March 14th, 2024, where we'll exchange vows in an intimate elopement. We look forward to celebrating with family and friends at a cozy after-party on May 11, 2024. We are overjoyed and grateful to share this chapter of our story with those we hold dear.