It's been a long road to happiness so we couldn't wait any longer. We wed in early March, but now it's time to share this happiness with all of you. Hope you're able to join us!

Having mutual friends, our paths brought us together time after time. From hanging out in our 20s to Trick-or-Treating with our kids, we've always been in each other's orbit. In fact, our kids are who really kept us together. We've said, more than once, we loved them way before we ever loved eachother- and it's true! No matter where life took us, we made sure they stayed in touch. They called us "aunt" + "uncle" long before any sparks flew + each one of them held a special place in our hearts. Some thought it was odd, but for us it was natural. It's this unique bond we all shared that carried us through some major ups + downs. We made sense even when our worlds were topsy-turvy. Taking turns for who would host sleepovers, we'd chat during pickups. Then pickups became mid-way dinners. It was hard to deny all the smiles around the table, but we never thought more of it. It wasn't our time yet, but our friendship was strengthening.

There was a sleepover arranged when a tropical storm swiftly blew in. While Brandon navigated flooding roads, Claire figured out dinner. They finally arrived + all ate. Kids left to hang out upstairs, but Brandon couldn't leave. It was crazy outside! So, we chatted, only our conversation had shifted. There was no longer hesitation in what we said. It was REAL talk. We were REAL friends. We reminisced + laughed about life's wild ride when Brandon looked over + said "Well, my Dad always said I should be with you." BOOM! A bolt of lightning struck the house. Ok, not really (it wan't even raining at that point) but Claire felt like it did! Her cheeks were tinged pink. She paused. With a coy smile, she looked in his eyes + slowly replied "Is that right?...Smart man." He left that night, but we knew our roller coaster days were over.

Some say we're lucky. We say we're blessed. Still getting that simultaneous feeling of comfort + excitement, we've found a love we never knew was possible. The simplest way to explain it is ...This was Meant to Be.