Steve and Elizabeth’s love story began the modern way: on The League, a dating app known for ambitious professionals who have their lives (mostly) together. Among all the profiles of impressive careers and carefully curated photos, something much more meaningful caught their attention—each other’s shared faith and passion for their work. It didn’t take long for them to realize they had stumbled onto something special… though they did not realize geography was about to throw them a curve ball.

Steve's location on the app just said "Historic District," so Elizabeth assumed Steve lived in the Raleigh Historic District, conveniently close to Wake Forest. But the truth quickly came out: Steve actually lived in the Wilmington Historic District—a casual two-and-a-half hours away. Naturally, Steve responded the only logical way possible: “Well, I guess I’ll just have to move to Raleigh.” It was meant as a joke… the kind you say when you’re trying to sound charming and optimistic. Little did they both know that one day in the not-too-distant future he would, in fact, be packing boxes and heading that direction once they got married. Turns out some jokes age extremely well.

Their first date took place in Wake Forest at a local brewery, where the conversation flowed so easily they decided to grab dinner somewhere nearby to keep the night going. By their second date, they upgraded the romance with a picnic at a winery—wine, charcuterie, rows of grapevines, and a peaceful pond setting that looked like it had been designed by someone who really believed in love stories. Between the laughter, the scenery, and the realization that neither of them wanted the evening to end, the trajectory was clear. From that moment on, the rest—as they say—was history.