We met through a mutual friend at a Memorial Day party in 2001. Soon afterwards we would spend hours talking on the telephone despite having to get up for work in the mornings. We would go out on the town and spend quiet times at home intermittently. Although we enjoyed each other's company immensely, neither one of us was ready for any type of commitment. Over the next few years we became the closest of friends, learning about life and ourselves from each other and growing in our spirituality. Finally after a trip to Pittsburgh together we decided to give what we had a real try - as a couple. Our love for each other and our desire to experience life's journey together became more and more apparent to each of us and we became engaged in March 2009.

We chose September 19, 2009 as our wedding date. We plan to marry at Willis Chapel in KCMO which is the church Cory grew up in and is an active member of. What started out as a small wedding has grown with the inclusion of all our family and friends. Cory's Best Man will be his brother Marcus and Kristen's Maid of Honor will be her best friend Dana Ellison.

We are planning a quaint wedding reception to follow the ceremony in the fellowship hall of Willis Chapel. Wedding cake and punch will be served.