meet us on lake conroe!

Ainslea and Carson first crossed paths in their days at Sweeny High School. Although they attended the same school, they never thought twice about each other when walking in the hallways. In 2020, Carson moved to San Marcos while Ainslea completed her senior year of high school. At a crossroads about what school to attend, Ainslea befriended me, the now Maid of Honor, Mikaela. In the time that we became best friends, I convinced Ainslea to apply to Texas State and move to San Marcos with me. Ainslea did just that; she was on her way to rekindle with her future husband. In mine and Ainslea’s first week moving to town, we decided to walk the campus to find our class locations. In Fall 2021, Texas State University had a total enrollment of 38,077 students. The way fate has it is that we bumped into the one and only Carson Skinner while searching for our classes. On our way back to our dorm, we talked about how crazy it was to bump into Carson while walking around campus for the first time. With a bright smile in an upbeat tone, Ainslea told me, “One day I am going to marry Carson Skinner.”I blew off her comment and laughed at her. I mean, how could Ainslea and Carson even date, never mind get married! 4 years later, I am here to say I am glad I was wrong. From that first date, where there was Ainslea, there was Carson. Ainslea and Carson became attached at the hip. I got to witness, firsthand, them falling in love. Many of you may know that Resha, Ainslea’s mother, passed away in September 2021. Resha was a light in anyone's life she came into contact with; it was truly an honor to know her. After her passing, I remember talking to Ainslea, and she told me she was heartbroken to think that her future husband would never know her mother. It is comforting to Ainslea and her family to know that Carson did know Resha. She adored him and thought he was the sweetest kid. Now he is the hardworking and kind man who will marry her daughter. The year before Ainslea and Carson started dating, I saw the light her mother instilled in her begin to fade away. In just the first few weeks of their rekindling, I saw Carson bring the light back into Ainslea’s eyes and spirit. I knew then he was around to stay forever, and I could not be happier. Ainslea and Carson are obsessed with water, just like their dog, Stella. River days, boat days, beach days, you name it, they are there in a swimsuit with a cooler filled for everyone, with Stella trailing not far behind. I remember when Ainslea decided to get a golden retriever and name her Stella. To Ainslea’s surprise, Stella bonded quickly to Carson. That only made Ainslea fall in love with him more. Ainslea and Carson balance each other wonderfully. He brings her peace and protection, while she brings him cheer and generosity. Knowing them separately and apart, I can truly see how they bring out the best in each other. When Carson sent me the text that he picked a date he is going to propose and needs my help… I was squealing and jumping up and down. The time he put into making that day so special for Ainslea is a true testament to how great of a husband he will be to her. From the secret after-party filled with her family and friends, to the months we spent convincing her “not yet”, I am so happy to have been a part of the whole process. I think I heard 25+ speeches that night, and I cried the whole time. Their love and joy in having each other is so powerful, and I could not contain it. To hear stories from people in their lives who truly see their love was so inspiring. Ainslea and Carson are so excited for this next chapter, as are all of you! I am so grateful to all who will celebrate with the happy couple. This is just the beginning of their chapter in being husband and wife. I know they will be able to take notes from family and friends on how to live a happy life together. I am so blessed to be one of Ainslea’s Maids of Honor and to witness a true love like theirs.