Kate and J.D.’s story began years ago at a cabin on Lake Georgia while they were both at UCF. It wasn’t anything loud or obvious at the time, just a moment, a crossing of paths that would quietly stay with them as life moved forward. More than a decade passed. Life unfolded the way it is meant to, with growth, experiences, and seasons that shaped who they each became. With time, patience, and a belief in what is meant to be, their story continued exactly as it was supposed to. Fate has a way of working quietly, and in its own time, everything aligned. Everything since has carried a sense of ease that only comes from something meant for you. In November 2021, they welcomed their daughter, Summer Lilly Barksdale, the center of their world and the piece that made everything feel complete. With her, they didn’t just build a life, they built a home. That home is "at the lake". A place where J.D.’s roots run four generations deep. Where the trees, the water, and the rhythm of everyday life hold history. Where neighbors are family. Where time slows down and the moments shared together mean everything. From the very beginning, Kate knew exactly where they would get married. There was never another option. Down by the lake. More than anything, this moment would not be possible without the people who have stood beside them along the way. To their friends and family, thank you for your patience, your encouragement, and for always believing in the love they share. You have watched it grow, supported it, and reminded them that it is something worth celebrating. And so, on December 12, 2026, under the stars and surrounded by cypress trees, Kate and J.D. will say “I do” in the place that has shaped so much of their story. With the people who mean the most to them, they will celebrate not just a wedding, but everything that has been built, everything that has been trusted, and everything that was always meant to be. A night to pause, to honor it all, and to truly encapsulate this moment in time, and throw one helluva party --- Down at the lake.