It turns out fate had Carissa and Brady crossing paths long before they ever really met. They both attended Gunpowder Elementary at the same time, unknowingly walking the same hallways as kids — but the universe decided to wait a couple of decades to officially bring them together. In January 2022, Carissa took a leap and messaged Brady on Facebook. They knew of each other through their best friends — Cheryl and Hunter — who are now married and proudly take credit for the match. Brady was open to getting to know Carissa but admitted he “couldn’t make any promises.” (Spoiler: he didn’t need to — she already had a good feeling.) They began going out for weekly dinners — which they both insisted weren’t dates. Their friends, however, saw what was happening and not-so-subtly cheered them on, especially nudging Brady to take the next step. Eventually, in July 2022, Carissa made the move again and they finally made their relationship official. From their very first lunch, something just clicked. They quickly became inseparable — going to concerts, hanging out at bars, hosting game nights with friends, and soaking up every bit of time together. Brady also formed a special bond with Carissa’s son, Matthew, over video games and card collecting, making their little family feel complete in a way neither of them expected so soon. They moved in together during the winter of 2023 and bought their first home the following spring. Now, their lives are full — with Matthew, their four beloved cats (Popcorn, Butter, George, and Newman), and a home built on love, laughter, and the little joys of everyday life. Carissa and Brady love slow mornings, binge-watching their favorite shows, spending time with family and friends, and making the most of every moment together. They are truly best friends — the kind who lift each other up through the hard days, cheer each other on during the good ones, and find joy in all the in-between. They’ve built a beautiful life together, and they can’t wait to see how it continues to grow. Now, they’re beyond excited to celebrate the next chapter of their journey with the people they love most. Thank you for being part of their story — they can’t wait to share their special day with you.