Love stories do not always begin with violins or vineyard sunsets. Sometimes they start in bowling alleys, on the dancefloor, in college hallways in Dahlonega, or across a table at a small-town café somewhere in Northeast Georgia. This list gathers a handful of those stories—the awkward beginnings, the missed texts, the slick footwork across a crowded dance floor, the second chances—that grew into marriages, families, and steady devotion. If you have a Northeast Georgia love story of your own, drop it in the comments or email me at carly@nowhabersham.com with a horizontal photo. On Monday the 17th, I’ll aim Cupid’s arrow and choose the three sweetest stories to receive our Cupid Award and a featured spot in the article.

Sheryl & Steven Webster – Clayton 

Sheryl and Steven Webster, whose whirlwind romance proves that sometimes the best love stories start with a gentle nudge (and a good pair of dancing shoes).

Sheryl had been through the unimaginable loss of her first husband to a sudden heart attack, leaving her focused on raising her teenage son and quietly grieving. For years, she stayed on the couch, wrapped in routine and memories. But a lifelong friend—25 years of honest, no-nonsense friendship—refused to let her stay there forever.

“You’re growing mold!” her friend teased, in that loving-but-blunt way only a bestie can. “You’re not getting any younger, and it’s time to think about yourself again.” Sheryl laughed it off at first, but her friend was relentless. She had the perfect guy in mind: Steven, a business associate and friend of her husband—kind, fun, and, crucially, he loved to dance.

Sheryl hesitated. “If he’s so wonderful, why is he still single?” she asked. Fair question! But then came the magic words: “He’ll just be your dance partner if there are no sparks. No pressure.”

That sealed the deal. Sheryl had taught ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray during her undergraduate college days and had missed the joy of gliding across a floor ever since the passing of her husband. The idea of dancing again—even just as friends—was too tempting to resist.

On Steven’s side, the mutual friends had been singing Sheryl’s praises for weeks, sharing photos of her and her son, painting a picture of a warm, wonderful woman ready for a new chapter.

Finally, they talked on the phone, clicked instantly, and agreed to meet for lunch… followed by dancing that very evening. From the first step on the dance floor, it was electric. Laughter, easy conversation, perfect rhythm—sparks didn’t just fly; they ignited.

What started as a casual “dance partner” arrangement turned into something undeniable. Their first date was February 25, 2015, and just a few short months later—on July 17, 2015—they said “I do.” Whirlwind? Absolutely. Meant to be? Even more so.

Sheryl and Steven’s story is a beautiful reminder that love can bloom again after heartbreak, often when a caring friend plays matchmaker and a shared passion like dancing lights the way.

Jeannie & Eric Allen – Clarkesville

Our love story is a little different. We met one night in a bowling alley in Conyers. He was intensely serious; I was a giant goofball. He was kind and talked with our group between sets—but still, so serious (he had bowled almost a perfect game). On his last frame, I yelled, “Don’t throw a gutter ball.” He threw a gutter ball. He was mad—but jocular about it. We became friends that night.

Many years later, after only a few months of dating, we got engaged in 2012. A year later, we were married. Since then, we’ve walked through everything—the typical hardships, the happiness, the sadness, seasons of poor health—but through it all, we have held onto one constant: love.

On February 9, 2026, we celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. We spent the day in our new home, grateful, and excited to see what this next chapter holds.

If we could offer one solid piece of advice, it would be this: never stop dating each other—and never stop communicating.

Kristin & Dr. Nathan LaShoto – Cornelia

Our love story began with a blind date we now fondly refer to as “the coffee test.”  Since this was neither mine nor Nathan’s first time being set up, it was basically a first date with an exit strategy. The plan was to meet for late-afternoon coffee on the Gainesville Square and if things went well, walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner. If not, we could part ways politely after a cup of joe, no harm done. 

But coffee turned into dinner, and dinner turned into hours of effortless conversation. Before long, we were inseparable. What started as cautious optimism grew into certainty as we dated over the next two years. Nathan became my best friend, my constant, and the person I couldn’t imagine doing life without.

In March 2018, during a trip to New York City, Nathan proposed at the top of the Empire State Building. I said yes while jumping up and down with excitement. Today, we’re happily married and recently celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary.

I think it’s safe to say we both passed “the coffee test.”

Carly & Alexander Camejo – Cornelia

My own love story reads like friends to enemies—but not in a Princess Diaries II way, with attractive, confident royals. But instead features two awkward, admittedly nerdy teenagers.

I sometimes bullied poor Alex—even on his first day at the Christian homeschool co-op. Then the teenage tides shifted. One week, we stood as unlikely friends and allies. The next as bitter enemies.  

Years later, at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Alex helped me adjust to a new school. He coaxed me out of the corners the way a man with a biscuit coaxes a raccoon from a trash receptacle—slow movements, steady voice, no sudden gestures.

He introduced me to people and nudged me into conversations. He hovered nearby like a six-foot-four mother hen with a big bushy beard.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, I realized I enjoyed the company of my own kind.  

Nearly a decade later, I confidently identify as an extrovert. Alex claims he merely spotted the evidence early, like a wildlife researcher documenting a rare species emerging from the underbrush. 

He eventually gained enough confidence to ask me on a date. I declined with an exceedingly flimsy excuse. Reluctantly, he accepted my answer.

Three weeks later, I texted him: “How about that date?”

My phone, damaged by repeated misuse and careless handling, failed me. The message never sent.

That evening, during our usual weekly hike, he mentioned a girl from his internship. I grew taciturn and aloof while Alex tried to decode the sudden frost. Later, I discovered the text had never delivered. I explained the mishap, and he forgot the internship girl on the spot.

We have been married for seven years.

And to this day, he still claims to lure me from trash receptacles with biscuits. 

Now it’s your turn

Don’t forget to drop your love story in the comment section with a horizontal photo. Keep it to one or two paragraphs, or email it to carly@nowhabersham.com. On Monday, the 17th, I’ll let Cupid’s arrow decide and select the three sweetest stories to receive our Cupid Award and be added to this article.