Our story technically began long before we ever met. Joe grew up with his childhood best friend Lex, who lived just two doors down from him starting when he was two years old. Lex eventually went off to college and became friends with Mari. Over the years Joe would sometimes hang around the group, but somehow the universe kept the two of us from crossing paths. Looking back, it feels less like coincidence and more like timing waiting to be perfect. Everything finally changed during a weekend trip for a friend’s birthday. A bunch of college friends were getting together at an Airbnb to celebrate Erik. It was supposed to be just a fun, casual weekend full of games, food, and good company. We had no idea it would become the beginning of everything. The moment we finally met, something clicked. There was no dramatic movie scene, just simple conversation that felt way too natural for two people meeting for the first time. It was easy to talk, easy to laugh, and easy to feel comfortable. By the end of the trip, we both felt something we couldn’t quite name yet, but neither of us wanted to ignore it. After that weekend, we started hanging out more, getting to know each other beyond the friend circle. And then the world flipped. Covid hit, lockdowns started, and suddenly everything froze. What could have pulled us apart ended up pushing us closer. We spent two full weeks together in complete isolation, just the two of us navigating uncertainty with humor, snacks, movies, and conversations that lasted deep into the night. Those two weeks were when we knew. If we could handle a global pandemic together after just meeting, and not only survive it but enjoy every minute of it, then we had something real. Those early days became the foundation of everything that followed. What started as a spontaneous weekend trip turned into a connection that felt strong, steady, and meant to be. All the near misses and years of almost crossing paths suddenly made sense. The universe had its own timeline, and when it finally brought us together, it all fell into place effortlessly. Now we get to celebrate the next chapter of our story with all the people who unknowingly had a hand in bringing us together in the first place.