According to one theory, there are two kinds of people in the world: those you meet, and those you were somehow always meant to find. Mary and Corey fall firmly into the second category. It started on an ordinary work day when Corey walked past Mary’s desk and she noticed him instantly. Something about him caught her attention: Confident, friendly and the kind of presence that makes a room feel a little lighter. For the next few months, Mary did what any determined woman with a crush might do: She got creative. There were pot-luck lunches to organize, happy hours to coordinate, and most importantly, a sudden and very convenient need to learn Microsoft Excel, a subject Corey just happened to be an expert at. What began as small conversations turned into something bigger. Over those early months, the two built a natural friendship. They discovered they shared a surprising number of things in common: a love for cooking, trying new restaurants, stand-up comedy, wandering through grocery stores, grabbing Starbucks, and working out. They never ran out of things to talk about. It didn’t take long for the people around them to notice. Coworkers started to pick up on the chemistry, including Corey’s manager, who decided to move fate along. One evening, Corey’s manager organized a happy hour with colleagues, only to back out at the last minute, leaving the two of them to grab drinks. What was supposed to be a group outing became their first unofficial date. They ended up at Southern Tier Brewing Company, talking for hours, but what felt like a matter of minutes. By the end of the night, the trajectory of their lives had changed forever. Every year since, they return to Southern Tier on the anniversary of that night, reminiscing about the memories they created over the past year and celebrate how far their story has come. Since their first date, Mary and Corey have filled their lives with memories. They have discovered countless new restaurants, explored new countries, and turned everyday moments into adventures. There was even a particularly unforgettable day in Bimini when they had a dramatic encounter with a jet ski, leaving them as shark bait for what felt like hours, but was only a few minutes. In the moment, it felt like a near-death experience, but is now one of their favorite stories to tell. When you’re with the right person, even absolute chaos turns into laughter. Beyond the trips, the restaurants, and stories, what makes their relationship special is much simpler. From the very beginning, Mary and Corey built their relationship on something deeper - friendship. The kind where you laugh constantly and where the smallest routines, such as grocery shopping, grabbing coffee, or cooking dinner, become some of the best parts of life. What began with a glance across an office and a strategically-timed Excel question became something neither of them can imagine life without: A partnership, a best friend, and a love story still unfolding. Like any great story, the best chapters are still ahead. Mary and Corey are looking forward to celebrating their wedding with you, making memories and having stories to tell to years to come.