When Marie and Norris swiped right on Memorial Day weekend 2019, they had no idea that the person across town was going to be their forever person. A couple weeks later, they met for a happy hour date at Bonefish Bar and Grill. Marie got there early (of course), and told the bartender if she said an agreed upon key word that THAT was the quick exit strategy. But when Norris walked in, she smiled and said to the bartender, "oh, he's so cute...". When Marie excused herself to the ladies' room, the bartender leaned across to him and said "You're doing well, she hasn't said the code word for the check". They had delicious drinks, great conversation, amazing chemistry, and their own orders of bang-bang shrimp- because Marie didn't want to share one order. When he walked her to her car at the end of the date, he got a simple hug and a promise to talk again soon. Over the next couple of weeks, they got together a few more times and by Fourth of July, they were meeting each others friends. Marie walked in to the room and a friend introduced her to the group as Norris's "girlfriend"- it was official! From that point on they were inseparable. Norris moved in and they lived happily ever after. Well... until March 2020. Then reality hit, and the honeymoon phase was over. Their first challenge was here. But they had heard, "if you can survive COVID together- you can survive anything together". And they did; Norris worked as an essential employee everyday, and Marie taught her theatre classes virtually. They stayed inside, stayed safe, and stayed together. The fall of 2021 brought more challenges when Norris was diagnosed with lymphoma. For the next several months Marie didn't leave his side, going to every treatment and doctor's appointment. They had faith, held on, and got stronger together. On Norris's birthday in 2022, Marie went upstairs to get his last surprise, an Oculus. With the family waiting downstairs, she came back with the present in hand. He had NO CLUE what was coming- but NEITHER DID SHE. As she came around the corner hiding his new toy, she saw a small red box on the coffee table. She nervously asked, "what is that?" and he told her to open it. She teared up in front of the family as he hopefully asked- "is that a yes?". For the first time in her life, she was speechless and nodded YES! She then told him he had one more surprise and he wasn't supposed to be giving presents on HIS birthday- to which he responded, "You're the present I wanted for myself". After a 2 year engagement, and trying to narrow down the kind of day they wanted, here they finally are! Through sickness and health, through the ups and downs, through good and bad they are stronger than ever and ready to celebrate what's to come!