Avery and I met 7 years ago in February 2019 through Allen High School Baseball. I was the bullpen catcher who sometimes graced the field as a pinch runner and she was the cute trainer always tending to the team’s needs. At the time of our first interaction I am not sure either of us could have foreseen the role we would play in each other's life. After dating from February to August, we decided it would be best to take a break as I would be headed off to college at the University of Texas at Austin and Avery had another year of high school. While physically away from each other we would still call to check in on each other, and I think we both knew our lives apart from each other were missing the intangibles. The uncontrollable laughter, the anticipation of our next date, the excitement in each other’s presence; all memories and emotions that may not be quantifiable, yet we both realized in our time apart these were priceless. Unexpectedly, the pandemic occurred, and I made my way back to Allen to finish out my first year of college online. Expectedly, I also reached out to Avery to share my newfound awareness of what she actually meant to me. Luckily for myself, it appeared this awareness was mutual. We both came to the realization that regardless of whatever circumstances arose, we would put full effort into making our relationship work. The greatest challenge surfaced not long after these conversations, as Avery decided to attend the University of Oklahoma to become a Sooner. For my northern family who may not be aware, there is a fierce rivalry between our two schools which makes for rather tense Octobers during the Red River Rivalry Weekend (64-51, Texas record versus OU since 1900). It also introduced the fact that our relationship would be long distance for the next 4 years. Long drives, dates squished into weekends, and intentional planning were required, but these actions were fruitful in keeping us close despite the geographical distance between us. There was no doubt in either of our minds that the sacrifice would be worth it. 4 years eventually came and went, and we both had the fortune to find jobs in the Dallas area allowing us to spend the time together we’d always dreamed of. I had already decided long ago my intention was to propose to Avery to transform us from two individuals to one under marriage. On May 3rd of 2025, I was able to make this come true. I do not think I could have surprised her with the proposal if I tried, due to the excitement radiating from my face throughout the morning. Despite 6 years passing since we first crossed paths I reflected on how little had actually changed. We both looked older, we both had learned more lessons from life’s offerings, we both had more responsibilities, yet she was still the same Avery I grew to love. She still had the same affectionate smile, the same nature to put others before herself, the same ability to make me understand nothing truly could be wrong if we had each other. I do not desire the extravagant, the luxurious, the opulent chases life has to offer, yet I found myself in that moment with everything I could ever need. Avery and I are beyond excited to welcome you to attend our wedding. We look forward to professing our lifelong commitment to each other in front of God, family, and friends. We cannot wait to celebrate the conscious choice we will make each day to love each other, sacrifice for each other, and to overcome any obstacles that may arise, in front of the people that mean the most to us.