Our story began in the spring of 2018. I was working as a graphic designer at our town’s local sign shop when James, a realtor from Austin needing some signs, walked in. I looked up from my desk and saw the bluest eyes I’d ever seen — in that moment it honestly felt like love at first sight. As we talked I learned he was a father to two boys, Gavin and Gray, and he learned I had a three-year-old daughter, Samantha. I took his number to follow up about the signs, and we kept texting through the summer as customer and friend. Our first official date came in October at a local dive. What began as casual conversation turned into the discovery that we were both divorced, single parents who wanted family and to find love again. When the jukebox played, James asked if I’d ever country danced — I laughed but humored him. He spun me around the pool hall to country music, something I never thought I’d do, much less enjoy. After greasy bar food and a respectful goodbye, I called my mom on the drive home and told her, “This was the best first date I’ve ever been on.” The rest, as they say, is history. Our years together have been full of cherished moments and one of our biggest challenges: blending this beautiful modern family. We’ve faced obstacles and we’ve failed each other at times, but what keeps coming back, like flowers in spring, is our undeniable love for one another and for our families. Over the past eight years James has encouraged me, introduced me to a career I never imagined, and taught me how to love myself; I helped him learn to trust again. Through triumphs and setbacks this relationship has shaped us into who we wanted to be. We challenge each other daily, but above all we are best friends. We’re deeply grateful to our friends and family for their quiet love and support, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate our wedding in Waco, TX on July 11, 2026 with all of you as witnesses to our commitment to spend the rest of our lives together.