Like every great Philadelphia love story… we met at a bar in South Philly! Laura had been out celebrating the Mummer’s Day Parade with friends, and Chris — only a few months into living in Philly — was exploring a new neighborhood. It turned out to be the best decision of his life, because he wandered into East Passyunk… where Laura lives.

Laura’s friends were walking home from the parade festivities and decided to stop at South Philly Garage Bar to play some pool and Skee‑Ball — the best decision of her life. Laura’s great friend, Doris, a true social butterfly and the definition of “I’ve never met a stranger,” struck up a conversation with Chris. She introduced him to John, another friend of Laura’s, and soon they were all playing pool together.

This caught Laura’s attention from across the bar. She started asking her friends, “Hey, do we know that guy? He is CUTE!” Meanwhile, Chris had already noticed Laura and was asking John, “Hey, do you know that girl over there? She is so beautiful!”

When the pool game kept going, Laura decided to “go to the bathroom” — which really meant walking past the pool table to check on the game and get a closer look at Chris. John, being the excellent wingman that he is, introduced them… and sparks flew instantly.

Laura went back to her seat at the bar, and as soon as the game wrapped up, Chris followed. They talked until closing time. Chris walked Laura home, and the rest is history. Truly — we have never gone a day without talking since the night we met.

We fell in love openly, honestly, and completely. Both of us knew right away that this was something different — something magical. We even have the same favorite pizza toppings and ice cream flavor. Truly meant to be.

And then came one of the biggest signs of all: Tony and Pauly. Laura’s cats — her beloved little shadows — absolutely adored Chris from the moment they met him. Even though Chris had always been a “dog person,” he became the best cat dad in the entire world. The boys love him just as much as he loves them and watching that bond grow was one more reason Laura knew he was the one.

We like to think there was a little divine timing or an invisible string at play. Years earlier, Laura had moved to California, only miles from where Chris grew up, unknowingly looking for him. But since we didn’t meet there, Chris had to come to Philly to find her.

Now, here we are — ready to celebrate our love with all of you, grateful every day that life brought us together exactly when it was meant to.