Our first shared memory together was a friendly conversation on a ferry crossing to Galveston Island in 2016; we were on a Spring Break trip with the John Paul the Great Catholic Campus Ministry. Tara had just started college at UT Tyler (Swoop! Swoop!) as a Kinesiology student, and Stephen had recently transferred to UT Tyler to pursue a degree in Psychology. Over the years, we remained active on campus with the JP II Catholic community, and did many other things as friends, including working as camp counselors at The Pines Catholic Camp --- Go Trees! After graduation, we fell out of touch, but both of us remained in East Texas as Tara continued to work at The Pines and Stephen pursued a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Serendipitously, we reconnected in 2021. After a young adult night in June, Stephen told his buddies "HOLD MA KEYS" and went to ask Tara on a date…and, she said yes!! The dating period was fun, adventurous and felt natural mainly because of our shared faith, similar interests and countless opportunities to be with friends and family as a couple. Stephen quickly wooed Tara and proposed to her on December 26th, 2021 (The Feast Day of The Holy Family AND of St. Stephen). Truly, it is fascinating to look back and see how our two paths converged in such a providential way. We are so excited to continue this ever-unfolding story together, as well as with friends and family. We look forward to adding a new chapter on October 1st, and hope to see you there!