Some love stories start with a chance encounter, a swipe right, or even love at first sight. Ours started with a company potluck and a wedding. The Thanksgiving Potluck What started as a regular office Thanksgiving potluck would end up being the beginning of forever. And if you’re confused — don’t worry, you’re probably not alone. Here's how it happened: I used to work with Alex’s cousin, Andrea. During our Thanksgiving potluck in November 2023, she casually mentioned her cousin she hadn’t talked to in a while but would be seeing that weekend at his sister’s wedding. Then she said the words that would change everything: “I think he would be perfect for you.” She asked if she could find out whether he was single and, if so, see if he'd be interested in getting my number. I said yes — because why not? What did I have to lose? From that point forward, it was all the talk in the office. Coworkers checked in almost daily like they were following a real-time rom-com... “Have you heard from him yet?”, “Did you meet him?”, "How did the date go?". My boss even invited him to the office holiday party... which was just two days after our first date. My Sister's Wedding What started as a day focused on celebrating Christina and Andrew’s love story, ended up becoming the start of my own. My cousin Andrea was here and she was on a mission. The ceremony had ended, dinner had been served, toasts were made and the reception was in full swing. I stepped off the dance floor to grab a drink when Andrea approached me and said the words that would change everything: "I found the perfect girl for you." Naturally, I was intrigued. I heard her out, asked for details, and thought… she just might be right. Before I knew it, I had Jessica’s phone number — and suddenly this wedding had a little subplot unfolding. Even the next day at the post-wedding Sunday brunch, it was still a hot topic. Now, with the holidays right around the corner, I held off on reaching out right away — timing is everything, after all. But don’t worry… I got there.

November 24, 2023: "Hi Jessica! I'm Alex. My cousin Andrea was trying to set us up and gave me your number so this is me introducing myself." And just like that, it began. After a few days of texting back and forth, we decided to meet for dinner at Ale Mary's in Royal Oak. November 29, 2023 - our first date. I think it’s safe to say we were both a little nervous at first, but that feeling didn’t last long. We talked for hours — laughing over good food and holiday cocktails, completely wrapped up in our own little world. So wrapped up, in fact, that we didn’t realize the restaurant had closed around us. When the staff politely kicked us out (whoops!), we moved to the Center Street Parking Garage and kept talking for literally hours. It was November. It was cold. And somehow, we barely noticed — because neither of us wanted the night to end. A highlight of the night? The women seated next to us on their way out leaned over and said, “You two are such a cute couple!” Little did they know… it was our very first date. But honestly, they must have sensed what we were starting to feel — that something special had just begun. From that night forward, everything just felt easy. Effortless. Right. Like finding someone you didn’t even realize you had been looking for all along.

Since that first date, life truly has been full of laughter, adventure, and love. Being together quickly became our favorite adventure. From work trips (throwback to when Alex was a pickle mascot) to fun escapes, we started building a collection of memories that felt like “us” from the very beginning. Whether we’re exploring someplace new or having a cozy night in, being together quickly became our favorite place to be. We’ve laughed through airport chaos, navigated new cities, and somehow always found ice cream along the way. We’ve proven that yes, we can survive airports, road trips, and shared suitcases together. Some days were big adventures, some were quiet nights in — but somehow, every moment felt just right. Every conversation, every laugh, every shared snack reminded us that life was better together. Two years later, we’re still talking endlessly — about life, dreams, future adventures, and what food we want from the grocery store. We still make each other laugh until our stomachs hurt. And we still choose each other every single day, always. And through it all, one thing became crystal clear: we were building something real. Something lasting. Something worth saying yes to one day — Forever.

August 27, 2025 It was a Wednesday — normal, busy, nothing out of the ordinary. We had just gotten back from a weekend away with friends, hadn’t made it to the grocery store yet (classic move), and decided dinner out was the plan. What Jessica thought would be a simple mid-week dinner date turned out to be the moment that would be the (official) beginning of our forever. As the workday wrapped up, Alex suggested Ale Mary’s, which Jessica had mentioned wanting to go there for her birthday a few weeks before so nothing seemed to be out of the norm. Little did she know, Alex had been planning something so much bigger. When we pulled into the Center Street Parking Garage — yes, the exact same one where we stood talking for hours after our very first date — Jessica thought we were just parking and heading to dinner. Instead, Alex pulled off the ultimate full-circle moment. He stopped, turned to her, and asked the easiest question she has ever answered. After she said yes (obviously), we celebrated just like we did on night one — dinner at Ale Mary’s, hearts full, still in our own little world. It was thoughtful, sentimental, and perfect in every way… and also solid proof that parking garages can, in fact, be romantic. We cannot wait to say “I do” surrounded by everyone who has been cheering us on from the beginning (and yes, Andrea absolutely deserves a matchmaking trophy). Here’s to love, laughter, late-night parking garage conversations, and the very best beginning of forever.