"Gorgeous smile and Go Gators!" Five words that were sent the day Alabama was set to play the Gators in the Swamp. Because of my inability to respond to a message (or text message), it took 3 weeks for us to finally go on a first date. Cory had just moved back to Jacksonville, and I was exhausted from the countless first dates that wound up leading nowhere... I was hesitant to go on ANOTHER first date. After drinks (and dinner) with Courtney and Gabbie, I left to go meet Cory... with a slight buzz and running a little late. He was punctual (as always) and waited patiently at the Prati bar. We were the last to leave, and haven't looked back since. We went from drinks at a bar to meeting families on Thanksgiving in only 8 weeks. If you thought we were moving fast then, Cory stayed a my place the day after Christmas and never went home. Him and Rooster quickly transitioned to making San Marco their residence. From countless dinners at Taverna and drinks at Grape & Grain, we began to grow a relationship based on trust, respect, and dad jokes. Over the next couple of months we took trips to Houston, St. Thomas, Seaside and Atlanta, becoming closer to each other's families and friends. Very quickly after being with Cory, I started dropping "not so subtle" hints that I thought we should talk about a future together. Anyone that meets him, loves him, and I knew I wasn't letting this one get away. Fortunately for me, Cory felt the same way. After a Memorial Day weekend spent visiting his friend Will, Cory came back to Jacksonville with some news that would forever change our lives. After prayers for guidance and more tears than I knew possible, Cory and I packed up the puppies and U-Haul and headed to Charlotte. We spent a couple months in Queen City before heading home to celebrate the BIG 3-0! Our incredible families put together the most amazing celebration to bring on our next decade. Despite losses from both of our teams, Cory managed to turn my sad tears into happy tears on one of the best nights of my life. We couldn't have imagined it any differently than spending such a special night with friends and family. We are continuing our lives in Charlotte as we prepare for another great night in December. Cory and I can't wait to celebrate with all of our favorite people under a "Night of Lights"! December 16th can't come soon enough!