Anyone who knows Chad's family or grew up in Wenatchee knows of Pizza-Inn. Of course, that is where OUR story begins...even before WE were alive. Chad's grandparent's started Pizza-Inn and it was one of the hangout places for teens, including my parents who had their first date there. A few short years later, they also had their wedding rehearsal dinner there! From there, it became a staple of my childhood and our favorite place to eat out. Somewhere in my teens is when I first remember knowing Chad (though he tells people he knew me from when I was "this big" as he holds out his hands). Chad worked for his dad and was known for handing out quarters to the kids, and would also bring out a strawberry dessert pizza just for me anytime I was celebrating my birthday. I, not realizing Chad did this for lots of others, was now the smitten teenage girl with a major crush. There was just that pesky age gap between us, so I was just content knowing nothing would ever happen. However, I was determined to work at Pizza-Inn as soon as I turned 16. That never happened, as the restaurant closed and from there life took us down our different paths. I moved away from the valley, we each got married, kids joined the world and we were busy living life. It wasn't until 2008 when our paths crossed again. I was back visiting family and was informed that Pizza-Inn had opened once again, down at one of the local bars. All I cared about was the fact that I could get strawberry dessert pizza for my birthday! It was the first time we had seen each other in close to 10yrs, but we caught up a little bit, I got my birthday pizza and I was content! We said our goodbyes and continued on with life. Next time we saw each other was after some major life changes. Both of us had divorced, Chad had reopened the family restaurant, and I found myself back in Wenatchee looking for a job. I walked in the door, pretty much said, "Hey, I need a job!" and was hired shortly there after. Our friendship grew a lot over the next year and a half, but our paths still weren't ready to join. As much as I loved working at the restaurant, I wanted to be home with my kid more, so I sadly turned in my notice. It worked out as it wasn't long after Chad made the decision to close the restuarant. Life had once again taken us separate ways, Chad leaving the valley this time. Then randomly, one day during the summer of 2021, I decided to message him as I had been thinking of him and wondering what he was up to. My phone almost immediately started ringing and he suprisingly told me he'd been thinking of me also. He was moving back to Wenatchee, wondered how I was doing and asked me out on a date. Almost immediately, it felt right. It wasn't long before talks of moving in together were on the table and we were looking towards the future. However, according to Chad, he was NEVER getting married again! Well, I remained hopeful, and considering you are now reading our story on our wedding website, it's safe to say I wore him down! We are so excited for what the future has in store and can't wait to celebrate with you all soon!