Cori and Jesse both grew up in Northern Virginia. They knew many of each other's friends, played on the same lacrosse team, would have attended rival high schools if Cori hadn’t moved, and grew up only ten minutes away from each other. With so much in common and such a short distance between them, it seems impossible that the two didn’t first meet until September 1, 2019, at Radford University, three and a half hours away from their hometown. Cori was in town visiting one of her friends from high school, who turned out to be one of Jesse’s college friends. On October 13, 2019, after a date to the pumpkin patch, which of course included some friends, Jesse asked Cori to be his girlfriend. In January 2020, Cori transferred to Radford University, and their relationship bloomed. In November 2020, they brought home their spicy meatball of a son, Wolfie, to form their little family. They created many memories they won't forget—and some they’ll never remember—throughout their time in college before graduating together in May 2023. After graduating, they followed their best friend, Ally, to Charlotte, North Carolina, which became their new home. In January 2024, they brought home their snuggle bug of a cat, Jasper, to complete their family. Since moving to Charlotte, they have made so many amazing friends who have become like their second family in a home away from home. On August 21, 2025, on a Backers family beach trip, which also included two of Jesse’s best friends, Alex and Zach, Jesse decided it was time to pop the question. Under the disguise of taking updated family photos and after a day of Jesse avoiding Cori, he asked her to marry him. Of course, she said yes! On the drive back to the beach house after taking pictures, Cori made a comment about the chances that Jesse's two best friends had been there for the engagement, but none of hers were. Within seconds of pulling up to the house, Cori was surprised with her mom and longtime best friend, Kiran (and of course, the amazing Colin), along with the Backers, Cappiellsos, and Brendes families to congratulate and celebrate the couple. It was an evening full of magic and so much love. In April 2026, they bought their first home together in Pineville, North Carolina, and are excited to experience the many memories and milestones to come!