Some love stories begin with grand gestures. Ours began with burgers, wings, and a very memorable comment from Korey’s mom.

We first crossed paths at Wild Barrel in June 2021. Korey was working as a sales rep for the brewery, and Dermot was the mastermind behind one of its beloved food vendors, Copper Kings Burgers. After hearing endless praise about “the burger guy,” Korey stayed after a shift to try one herself—parents in tow for the important taste test. As Dermot walked by, Korey’s mom leaned over and said, “Oh look at the cute burger boy!” A sign of things to come? Maybe.

A month later, at the end of July, a casual conversation at the bar changed everything. Dermot asked where he should grab food nearby, and Korey mentioned that Churchill’s was doing a Wing Wednesday special. His response: “You wanna go?” One spontaneous wing run, several rounds of pool and darts, and one extremely professional exchange of Korey’s business card later, the spark was undeniable. At that moment, Dermot was hooked.

Not long after, Dermot reached out and asked Korey on their first official date—August 2, 2021. Dinner and yet another game of pool sealed the deal. Korey knew immediately there was something different about this guy… and it wasn’t just his accent.

Their friendship grew quickly into something deeper. They became regulars at a local Irish pub for pints of Guinness, checked out new breweries, played cribbage any chance they got, hit the golf course, explored new restaurants, and, of course, visited as many Copper Kings pop-ups as possible. Before long, they were inseparable.

In July 2022, Korey and Dermot bought their first home together, marking the beginning of their forever. The years that followed were full of adventure: their first big trips together in December and April 2022, a visit to Ireland in 2024 to meet Dermot’s family, adopting their first pup Tulla in March 2022 and then their foster-fail Louie in November 2023, cheering on Arsenal in person, Korey joining Copper Kings full-time, and ultimately opening their first restaurant in October 2023. Working together and opening a business tested them—in the strongest, most validating way. It proved without a doubt that they were meant to be.

Naturally, the next step was engagement. Dermot knew he had to be stealthy—Korey is famously nosey—and he pulled off the perfect surprise. In February 2024, the two flew to New Orleans for a friend’s wedding over Valentine’s Day weekend. The days were filled with creole food, Café du Monde beignets, Mardi Gras parades, craft beer, and exploring Bourbon Street side by side.

On their last full day, after a morning bloody mary at Hotel Monteleone, muffuletta lunch, souvenir shopping, and games of cribbage at a local brewery, Dermot suggested they take their time walking back to the Airbnb. In Jackson Square, with the St. Louis Cathedral glowing behind them, he said, “Let’s sit on this bench right here.” Moments later, on February 16, he got down on one knee and asked Korey to marry him. Korey—completely shocked—blurted, “But wait, you didn’t get down on one knee!” just as a passerby yelled, “Dude, did you just propose?!” Mission thoroughly accomplished.

Only later did she learn this was Plan B. Plan A—a gondola ride proposal in City Park—had been canceled due to wind and weather. But Plan B turned out to be perfect.

Just two months later came another incredible surprise: in April 2024, they found out they would be welcoming their first child—a baby girl. And suddenly, 2026 became the biggest year yet. Baby Isla was born January 6, restaurant number two opened in April, and finally, on August 2—the date where it all began—Korey and Dermot will get freakin’ married.

They can’t wait to celebrate their love story surrounded by the people who have been part of it every step of the way!