Stephanie grew up in Watha, North Carolina. She grew up with a love of computers, video games, and art. She went to college at Appalachian State University for both her bachelor's and master's degrees. She boomeranged around the state over the next decade, but eventually wound up in Wilmington where she met Billy! Billy was born and raised in Carrboro, North Carolina. He grew up with a love of music, video games, and anything technologic. He also attended Appalachian State University, but somehow never ran into Stephanie (even though at one point, they lived a single block from one another)! Seeing as how he'd lived in both the mountains and piedmont of North Carolina, it only seemed appropriate he move to the coast. There, he finally met Stephanie! They've been engaged to be married since September 1st, 2023!

Billy moved to Wilmington in 2018, and shortly thereafter discovered Stephanie's profile on the dating app OKCupid. Intrigued both by her photos showing completely different looks (LOTS of cosplays), and the fact she actually took time to fill out her profile with thoughtful, nuanced responses, he was simultaneously perplexed by her username: StepsOnBees. So, he decided to sent her a single short message: "Why do you step on bees?" Her witty retort (hint: it's a play on "Stephanie") set the stage for an almost immediate connection, and their first in-person date went so well, they closed down the restaurant chosen for the meetup. Since 2019, their friendship has deepened into truly compassionate love. Bolstered by their shared affection for all things nerdy, Billy and Stephanie have found they have so much in common that they might actually be the same person.

In late August of 2023, Billy's extended family were having a get-together in Kure Beach, NC, and Billy brought along both Stephanie and his jet ski! Capping off a wild week filled with pools, jacuzzis, beaches, themed family dinners, and finally riding out a tropical storm, Billy tasked his sister Katie and brother-in-law Kent to help capture some photos of him and Stephanie down on the beach together - ostensibly just to see the beautiful weather after the storm had cleared. After a few moments, Billy asked Stephanie if she could hold something for him, and dropped to one knee. Stephanie, very much aware that photos were still being taken, blurted out "What are you doing?" Imagine her surprise when he told her she was his best friend with whom he wished to live forever, and asked her to marry him!