In March of 2023, Lily suckered a group of reluctant Riviera Utilities lineworkers into competing in Foley’s Annual BBQ & Blues Festival as part of her communications role at the company. That night, while she slept soundly in her downtown Mobile apartment, those five men woke every hour to tend to Boston Butts on the smoker, only to return to the comfort of their trucks for limited, lackluster sleep. The next morning, she rejoined the weary team, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. A very calm and collected Cole Jeffers was on that team, and from the start, there was something about him that stood out. He carried himself with a quiet confidence, paired with a humility that made it easy to be around him. He wasn’t loud or trying to impress anyone, but Lily, who is always loud and trying to impress others, noticed him anyway. At one point, after burning his hand on the grill, he barely made a fuss — just wrapped it up and kept working like it was nothing. It was the kind of thing she didn't forget. As the hot spring day went by, the two worked together to serve pulled pork tacos off the flat top and smoked Conecuh sausage to festivalgoers. The chemistry and confidence between them grew as the cold beers went down. There was a distinct moment they both remember that afternoon while cooking, serving, and cleaning. Leaned up casually against the food trailer, chatting about who-knows-what, she asked for his number — obviously, for work and stuff. The team lead, suddenly aware of the lack of help at the serving table, made a joke that caused them both to blush before sharing a smile and getting back to it. Two weeks after the team took home 3rd place, Cole and Lily sat down at a picnic table outside of Old 31 Brewing Company in Spanish Fort for their first date. They would celebrate their first anniversary in the same spot a year later. Rest in peace, Old 31. Since then, the couple has experienced unimaginable joy, excitement, grief, love, and loss together — never losing sight of what they want for their life together. They have grown personally and professionally, encouraging one another to spend time and save time, finding balance along the way. The saying “opposites attract” may be a bit overused, but this is what it feels like. He was never what Lily thought she was looking for, but he turned out to be exactly what she needed. When he is indecisive, she takes the weight off the decision. When she is panicked, he offers perspective and ease. When he is hesitant to take a leap, she’s the first to test the fall. When she is overworking herself, he reminds her of all she’s accomplished and slows her beating heart. When he is in a rut, she is spontaneous and hopeful. When she can give 20%, he gives 80%. When he can give 40%, she gives 60%. Opposites may attract, but when you find the person who is your counterbalance, you become something greater than either of you could be alone. We look forward to celebrating a whole new version of us, The Jeffers, with you in September.