An Office Romance
If you don’t have a brand new box of tissues nearby, proceed reading this real-life Jim and Pam love story with caution. Seriously, this story is going to resonate with all of us Office fans who cheered on the underdog romance of Dunder Mifflin’s favorite salesman and receptionist. Serena and Joe’s story begins nearly the same way – in the office.
This story is over 17 years in the making since the two met and became instant friends back in 2003. They hung out, as many co-workers do, over happy hours and work events. They were both seeing other people at the time but spent their lunches chatting and becoming close friends. Joe even struck a friendship with Serena’s son, Keelan, as they bonded over UFC fights.
A significant story that stands out to Serena was one particular moving day. She and Keelan were trying to tackle a move by themselves in the middle of July when Joe showed up (with what she describes as a Nickelback bob), Gatorade and subs in tow to help them out. She had seen him a few times outside of work, but this was the first time she saw his tattoos, which she now adores. Keelan noticed how well they got along and would ask her why she couldn’t date someone like Joe.
One weekend when she was in California, they spent the entire night texting each other about UFC fights and when she returned to work, he came by her desk and asked if he could make her dinner. Serena was a little surprised, but agreed and told him that she would bring wine. On his lunch break, he had to run out to get a bottle opener and wine glasses because he didn’t have any.
He called her the next day, and the next day and the next day.
I don’t think there are any words more beautiful to describe this shift than the way Serena described it herself, “And so he waited for almost 10 years to ask me out. All through my engagement, a new baby. Just waited. When some of my family asked what changed, why did we finally decided to date – I said “He chased me until I caught him”. Only time changed. He was always the same. And he was everything I ever wanted. Everything that my son and my daughter ever wanted and needed from a father. He was different than any guy I ever dated…He gave [my children] his time and attention. And they loved him for that.”
I’m so happy we braved the summer heat to capture such an important moment in Serena and Joe’s story that they have been waiting so long for. Their happiness and excitement shine right through the photos and I am thrilled to get to capture the next chapter of their story on their wedding day!
