G & O

In 2021 at the University of Florida, fate worked exactly how you’d expect it to: through intramural soccer and complete social chaos. Gretchen, being her usual goofy self, noticed Obed sitting alone and thought, “Perfect, someone else who has no one to talk to!” Since talking to strangers is basically her favorite hobby, she marched right over and started yapping. Obed didn’t run away, which was honestly a great sign. After surviving Gretchen’s first conversation, Obed made the incredibly brave decision to slide into her Facebook DMs. Their first date was on September 11, 2021, and from there, the two spent the next several months in what can only be described as the world’s longest “so… what are we?” phase. They talked every day, spent all their time together, and somehow still had absolutely no clue if they were dating. Neither one could read the other to save their lives. Finally, in March 2022, Obed decided someone needed answers and bravely asked Gretchen to clarify what exactly they were. Thankfully, they both ended up on the same page. That same summer, the two packed up their lives, along with their three dogs, and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina so Gretchen could start her teaching career. Then in 2024, the couple took a brief “intermission season” to work on themselves. Somehow, instead of becoming sworn enemies or starring in dramatic subtweets, they both grew as individuals and found their way back to each other stronger than ever. Turns out the universe wasn’t done with them yet. In spring 2025, they moved again to Western North Carolina so Gretchen could continue pursuing her passions at Western Carolina University. Luckily for Gretchen, Obed works remote and is always willing to go along with her latest life adventure — whether that means moving states, adopting more chaos, or listening to her talk for the rest of eternity. In December 2025, Obed proposed outside a castle in Dublin, Ireland, proving that his Facebook DM game was stronger than anyone originally thought. Now, after soccer fields, confusing situationships, multiple moves, three dogs, and one very romantic castle proposal, they are so excited to finally celebrate their wedding on September 19, 2026!