On their first date Bryce asked Denise if she wanted any kids. She said yeah and asked how many he wanted. When he said two, she sighed and announced she wanted five. He said wait, that’s my real number! It would be six months again before their second date, when Bryce told her his name was Rooster and asked her to Prom on Cherokee Street. Denise’s grandma said she looked beautiful as she left the house, but when she got to the car she noted the tornado watch and asked herself what she was doing. That’s when he called just to make sure she was still coming. Denise was looking at jobs in Texas and Bryce was living half his time in Portland in the Spring of 2023. A car accident delayed Bryce’s departure from St. Louis, and Denise decided on a job in town, and when it was time to say goodbye in June neither very much wanted to. That was a Summer of long phone calls, discovery, and the first I Love You’s. Denise describes last year as a year of firsts, milestones, and memories. They traveled and met each other’s friends and family. Rooster says it was the best year of his life, so far. In 17 degree weather on December 5th, 2024, he took her to see Christmas lights at the botanical garden and told her she was his favorite person in the world. She said Yes. They are excited for their marriage, to start a home together in St. Louis, and to share their celebration with you wonderful people whom they cherish.