We were kids when we met, Nicolette was still in eighth grade and I was a freshman in high school. We both loved musicals and were cast in a production of On the Town at our local community theater. During the final scene of the show, we were paired up as a couple and went onstage arm in arm to sing the last song. Every night, we would lip-sync together in the wings and I totally thought she was cute. Not too long after, my friend practically shoved me towards her (Thanks, Dev) and I asked for her number. Everything was perfect, we were texting all the time, she laughed at my terrible jokes and I just knew she liked me. And so I plucked up the courage to confess my feelings and...rejection. It is all a bit dramatic, especially seeing as we were still kids, but yes, Nicolette turned me down, and I was quite distraught. But I didn't give up and continued to be a friend and get to know her more deeply. I am immensely grateful for this time because it taught a young, impulsive Jack some much-needed lessons in patience. After several more months, Nicolette said she liked me too, and all of my arduous waiting finally came to an end. As the years went by, we saw one another grow into adults, getting driver's licenses, graduating from high school, moving out, experiencing loss, and becoming adults. We went through some hard times ourselves, especially when Nicolette decided she wanted to be a Stetson Hatter instead of a UCF Knight (she came around in the end). Nicolette and I are both so grateful we got to be there to see what God was doing in each other's lives for years now. It has been a joy to grow up together and learn to love more deeply as we get older. Now, as we close the chapter on college and childhood, we get to write a new one as man and wife, which is a precious gift. We want to thank all of the friends (new and old), family, mentors, and leaders who have invested in us over these last seven years. We have leaned on so many of you to get us to this special day and truly love each of you. We are so excited to eat, drink, and be merry, celebrating our marriage and ultimately, the faithfulness of Christ in blessing us with His love beyond measure. We cannot wait to see you on June 7 and for the party to begin!