Will and Maria met at their mutual friends’ wedding in Clarksville, Virginia in June of 2022. Maria had just graduated from medical school, and was preparing to start her orthopedic residency in Charlotte. Will had just moved away from Charlotte to San Francisco, for his new job at Meta. They sat next to each other at the reception, danced, and stayed up until the sunrise talking. Maria definitely had a major crush on Will, but knew he would be flying to the other side of the country in just a few days... not ideal. However, Will was quick to let her know this wouldn’t be an issue. He moved his flight, and showed up in Charlotte with flowers in hand for their first date at Rosie’s wine bar. After that night, both of them knew this would be more than a wedding crush. Once Will returned home to San Francisco, they continued to talk every single day. They would have FaceTime dinner dates and evening walks, finding comfort in having one another. Will came to visit NC for a few weeks at a time, and Maria even made it out to California for a long weekend. But the more time they spent together, the harder it became to be apart. So after a year and a half of long distance, Will gave up his life in California to move back to Charlotte and be with Maria. Don’t worry, she appreciates that every single day. They moved in together, and Will quickly adapted to his new role as work-from-home cat Dad. Two years after their first date, Will secretly led Maria back to Rosie’s wine bar where he asked for forever together. There was never an easier yes. Will and Maria cannot wait to share more of their story, and celebrate with all of you on November 15th.