How We Met

Bride’s story-

Ok, this story needs a little background. About a week before I met Mike I had watched a "Friends" episode. It was the one where Monica makes all the love life decisions for Rachel because Rachel can’t seem to pick the right guy. My Monica, Hope, decided that there was something to this episode, and told me I was no longer making the decisions. I skeptically agreed.

It was a hot summer day at the University of Central Florida. Summer school 2004; E-Marketing 101. I hadn’t signed up with a project group yet, nor had I bought the textbook. You could say I was slightly unprepared. This really creepy, self-proclaimed, Casanova turned to me one day and asked if I had a group yet. I, knowing what he was aiming for, strived not to make eye contact, and stumbled for the right rejection phrase. Before I could answer, Mike popped in and said he was in the group too, as if he knew exactly what I was about to say to this guy. I looked up and though, "ok, now this guy I can hang with. I’ll take it!"

I have to say, it wasn’t until I stopped by his apartment to borrow his textbook that my crush emerged. I actually got lost in his apartment foyer, mistaking his laundry room door for his front door. For those of you who keep track this would make #386 on the list of most embarrassing moments in my life. I got out of there and almost died! What can I say; love makes you do goofy things.

The following day, Mike asked me to meet him out that night. I, of course, tried to act cool and said, “If you’re lucky.” Then I immediately called Hope and told her we had plans. Thankfully, Hope met Mike and told me I wasn’t allowed to not pursue him. As it turns out they knew each other already! We’ve been inseparable ever since. I just hope that Mike keeps Hope on his good side.

Groom's Story-

It wasn’t until she got up to give something to the teacher that I noticed her. “Absolutely Beautiful” I think is what popped into my head. She happened to call me to see if she could come pick up my textbook and the next morning she arrived. She came at 8 am. Even then she was an early riser. After a long night of partying, I was pretty tired, so I threw on some clothes and answered the door. I could tell immediately that she was somewhat interested. It was amusing to see her get lost in my foyer… she walked in and took 2 steps, got the book, and couldn’t find her way back from those first two steps. It was cute.

The next day in class, Caroline was writing notes to a mutual friend of ours. Our friend passed me the note and in it was writing from Caroline.. “You need to help me find a new guy.” Now, being the joker that I am, I raised my hand, hoping she would see me. To my dismay, the TEACHER CALLED ON ME! Being the naturally cool guy that I am, I said that we were doing something else.. he wasn’t happy.

That night was my friend's birthday so I asked her if she would come meet me at "Devaneys Too", a local college bar, to hang out. We had band practice that night. I remember telling everyone in the band that I met this girl that I hoped would come out. I didn’t call her like everyone told me to. I didn’t want to look desperate. Sure enough she showed up with her friend Hope! I had known Hope since my freshman year. She’s a great girl. We hung out that night and had a good time, I asked her on a date, we danced to Brittney Spears… and like Caroline said, we have been inseparable ever since! It was a dream come true.

I went home to visit my parents the next weekend and told my mom I met the perfect girl. She replied with, “No one’s perfect.” Little did we both know she was perfect enough for me.