It all began with a series of fortunate events….. On the last day of the last weekend of August 2019, both Marriam and Kody had no idea a simple trip to breakfast would change the trajectory of their lives and begin a relationship that will last a lifetime. Entering her junior year of high school, Marriam was ready for a fresh start and was focused on preparing for college and her eventual career. Kody, also entering his junior year, always focused and always prepared, was taking a well-deserved vacation with his family in Panama City Beach, FL. The morning of the 31st, Marriam and her mother Stella decided to go for breakfast at a local spot they rarely go to, Another Broken Egg. As they were settling in at their table, Marriam happened to look up and noticed Kody, his father Tony and Mr. Bob walking into the restaurant. As fate would have it, their group of three were seated across from Marriam and Stella with Kody and Marriam facing each other and only a glass panel slightly obscuring their view. Throughout the breakfast there was a series of traded glances, intense stares from Marriam trying to force eye contact (totally out of character for her) and even a quick “bathroom break” so Stella could watch and see if Kody looked at Marriam as she passed by (he did!). Eventually breakfast came to an end for both groups and they began to go their separate ways. As Stella was backing out of the parking spot, Marriam spotted Kody and his family exiting. Without saying a word, Marriam flung the car door open, hopped out and approached the very handsome perfect stranger. From that moment, an exchange of personal information was made and the spark of a new relationship was kindled between them. For the following months and years, the long-distance relationship was made less distant through the support of Kody’s and Marriam’s parents. From frequent plane trips, to month-long stays in Florida and Missouri, this relationship has been an amazing journey. Due to COVID-19 and the lockdown that followed, Marriam and Kody were afforded a rare opportunity to spend significant amounts of time together which helped foster a bond between them that is very unique. Now here they are, after four amazing years ready to celebrate this truly blessed journey with the friends and family who are all a part of this story.