C + D

– Carson's Perspective – It all started sophomore year at NC State, when I began going to every Icepack hockey game with a friend. At one game, I randomly pointed to a guy on the ice and said, “He seems like the perfect best friend.” That guy was Drew. Little did I know, he’d become not just my best friend, but my future husband and soulmate. We didn’t officially meet until the summer before senior year. A mutual friend introduced us at the gym, and from then on, we started chatting whenever we ran into each other. Before long, we were seeing each other almost daily at the library (even though I will admit I was really only there because I knew Drew would be). And just like that, our friendship started to grow. Then one day, Drew finally asked me to get ice cream. I considered it our first date—he wasn’t so sure. We ended up staying at Flavors for hours and closed the place down. And in the most romantic twist… he ended the night with a fist bump. I left very confused. After that, we were inseparable. We started talking constantly and hanging out every day. During March Madness, we watched every game together, and when NC State beat Duke (sorry, Mom), we rushed the Belltower. That same night, totally unplanned, Drew asked me to be his girlfriend, and I, of course, said, “It’s about time!” Since then, we’ve been by each other’s side through everything. From best friends to soulmates, this journey has been full of laughter, surprises, and so much love. And now, I’ve never been more sure of anything than spending the rest of our lives together. – Drew's Perspective – When I left everything I knew in Chicago for a brand-new state and a new home in North Carolina, I knew the transition wouldn’t be easy. Making new friends, living on my own, and earning a spot on the hockey team all felt like steep hills to climb. What I didn’t expect was that, years later, I’d be here having met the love of my life and my best friend. I first noticed her sophomore year of college. She walked into the rink as I was heading through the lobby, wearing gray leggings and a black jersey. My first thought was simply, “Wow… she’s beautiful.” I didn’t meet her that year, but I started spotting her more and more at hockey games so much so that I even knew exactly where she sat every time. It felt like only a matter of time before we’d meet. And going into senior year, we finally did. A mutual friend introduced us at the gym, and that spark lit everything in motion. From quick hellos at the gym, to working out together, to study sessions at the library, our connection kept growing. Eventually, we ended up at one of her favorite ice cream shops, Flavors. I didn’t even realize it was a date until we closed the place down and I awkwardly ended the night with a fist bump. Thankfully, my obliviousness didn’t scare her off. From that day on, we spent every moment we could together. There are too many laughs and memories to fit into a single story, but I will say this one of the greatest things I’ve learned since meeting Carson is that home isn’t a place. It’s a person. Carson is my home, and I’m thankful for her every single day. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her and see where our journey takes us.