It was a summer night and everybody was twirling at Berlin on Belmont and Sheffield. The theme was "garbage" and looks were...trashy but fashion. Brian pulled out his silk poi (a pair of weighted flag silks) and started performing and spinning on a platform. Joey, taking notice, immediately thought "...COLORGUARD. I have to talk to this dude." They talked about marching band, of which they both have a background in, twirled the night away, and then went their separate ways. Two years went by and they would occasionally see each other at parties and other places in Chicago, mainly on the dance floor. They decided, one August evening, to grab drinks and hang out at North Bar in Wicker Park, which was the beginning of them becoming close friends. A drink at North Bar turned into texting often, playing video games, spending a lot of quality time together, and going on dates that neither of them were willing to actually call dates. Joey, FULLY smitten at this point, finally popped the question - "Hey, I want to take you to something with me. I think you'll really like it. Wanna come?" 2 weeks later, they were on their way to the DCI Show at NIU in July of 2019. Brian got to see the home team (Boston Crusaders, who he marched with in 2008), and well...found himself quite smitten as well. At one point, they struck up a conversation with a woman sitting next to them who asked, "How long have y'all been together," to which they both immediately blushed. They spent the rest of the summer pretending not to be a couple even though...let's be honest... Finally, on August 18, 2019, the day before Joey went back to school, Brian said, "You know...I'm running out of things to say to people when they ask if we're together," and while laying in the sun at Hollywood Beach, it became official. Fast forward to June 2022, Lakes of Fire (a Burning Man regional event in Michigan). This was Joey's first "Lakes" and it would be one of the most memorable experiences for both of them. On a beautiful evening, Brian asked Joey to join him for a sunset walk. They circled the lake and found a hammock to sit in along the shore with a perfect view of the setting sun. As they sat and reflected upon their adventures together, Brian reminded Joey of a moment a week before when Joey said, "Hey, let's be together for a long time." Then Brian added, "Well, I have a gift for you, but I have to ask you something before I give it to you." And then he popped THE question - "Do you want to be my partner for life?" and opened the box containing the most perfect ring. Tearful giggling and lots of kisses ensued, and they all but skipped back to camp to tell everyone that they were engaged (most of whom already knew it was coming). The rest of the weekend was full of love and celebration. Honeybee (Brian) and Hummingbird (Joey) are still dancing, traveling, and making everlasting memories together. We can't wait to spend our special day with all of you.