It all started at UNCW in the spring of 2018 when Haley agreed, after a little friendly convincing from her roommate, to be Drew's date to his freshman year fraternity formal in the Outer Banks, NC. You really get to know someone after a five-hour car ride together. Call it a blind date, blind car ride, or blind weekend, the trip turned into one they would never forget - full of laughter, new memories, and the beginning of a friendship. For a while, Haley and Drew were just acquaintances. They were the kind of college kids who always ended up in the same place, hung out with the same people, and pretended they weren't secretly each other's favorite person. Then, came the summer of 2018 and a trip to Chicago for Lollapalooza music festival where things really started to change. It was there amongst the skyline, sunsets, and endless music that there was more to this friendship than they realized. Then in October 2019, on a warm day at Wrightsville Beach, they found themselves walking and talking, realizing just how much they meant to each other. It was there, with the sound of the waves in the background, that they decided to make their relationship official. No big production, just a sweet, genuine moment that marked the beginning of their next chapter together. Graduation came and they set off on new adventures. Haley started her first role in her marketing career and Drew headed to Valencia, Spain to complete his master's degree. They weren't too fond of the long distance, but they made the best of it. Haley was able to visit Drew for two unforgettable weeks traveling around Europe together. Living in different cities had its challenges, but over hours of FaceTime calls it taught them resilience, patience and how to stay connected even when miles apart. By 2023, they conquered long-distance and now were finally in the same city calling Charlotte, NC home. Then in October 2024, surrounded by their closest family and friends at Veronet Vineyards outside of Charlotte, Drew got down on one knee and asked Haley to marry him. It was the perfect moment to start their next adventure together. From a blind date to best friends to forever soulmates, Haley and Drew's story proves that sometimes the best things start with saying "yes" even to a five-hour drive with a stranger.