May 30, 2026  

Katie and Ethan’s story began on a crisp fall day in the streets of South End. Ethan was out on a “run”, while Katie was being pulled along by the best dog in all of Charlotte named Bowie. The leaves crunched, endorphins rushed, and Ethan realized he was fully empowered by free will. So seeing a woman of truly breathtaking beauty,  Ethan took the most obvious approach available, he asked to pet Bowie. As conversation flowed and sparks began flying both Katie and Ethan both knew this was the start of something special. It wasn’t until the start of their first sushi date that Katie realized Ethan was slightly below her online dating age range. Despite this obstacle Ethan slowly began winning her over with quick-wit, easy eyes, and a soft smile. Meanwhile, Ethan was doing everything possible to keep his feet out of his mouth and seem interesting to his soon to be soul mate.  Following a memorable first date Katie and Ethan continued their courtship over the next several months existing in a stage of intoxicating bliss. However, circumstances struck and Ethan’s career aspirations took him 6 hours away to Tennessee. Despite a mutual agreement to say goodbye they experienced the age old adage of “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. Ethan yearned for the affection he didn’t know he’d miss and Katie realized that true love like this is a feeling she wasn’t sure she’d ever find. Fortunately for our story Ethan’s professional development brought him back home to Charlotte. Upon being reunited Katie and Ethan were back together and in sync like they never left.  As the months started turning into years and  like started turning into love, daydreaming about a future together turned into planning one. Ethan knew this was the time, now he just needed the place. While planning their next vacation, NC was in a several year drought of experiencing the beauty of falling snow. Katie and Ethan decided it was time to travel north for the experience and they settled on the endearing Canadian city of Quebec. After an unforgettable week of Ice hotels, lazy river hot tubs, and enough French Onion soup to make Napoleon jealous, the time had come. He had gotten the blessing of both of their families prior to the trip and they were now anxiously awaiting the triumphant moment. So with weak knees and sweaty palms Ethan decided against spaghetti that fateful evening during the dinner at a local Italian restaurant. Following a delicious meal Ethan got up the courage to ask Katie “Why don’t we go for a walk after dinner? There’s a really nice light show over by City Hall”. To which Katie responded “Why on Earth would we do that. It’s 2°F out. No”. “Humor Me” Ethan responded anxiously.  Katie went to go use the restroom before their departure where she began to suspect for the first time, “Is he going to propose? No, there’s no way”, she told herself in the mirror. As they finally completed their trek through the frozen wonderland and approached city hall they found it beautifully lit and freezing cold. Ethan wasn’t cold though. His great grandmother, Pearl Gugerty, had left him her wedding ring which was now burning a hole through his many layers. The time had come. Ethan got down on one knee and tapped Katie on the shoulder. “Katie, I’m glad you agreed to come on this walk and I’d be even happier if you agreed to marry me. I love you, I will always love you, and I want to spend the rest of our lives together”. Now if you’re any good at following context clues I’m sure you can guess what her answer was.  Now fast forward a year and here we are! Katie, Ethan, and Bowie are loving life in East Charlotte and are beyond excited for what the future will bring us. We can’t wait to celebrate our love with our family and friends. This will be a night to remember and we are looking forward to sharing it with you all!