JJ and Brett met for the first time in the parking lot of McDonald’s at Thomas Crossroads. JJ and her best friend, Melissa, had just left the store and were looking for something to do when they ran into Brett and one of his friends. JJ had seen Brett in a picture before that day, but meeting him in person was different, she immediately found him intriguing and rather wild which she found attractive, he found her to be inspirational and attracted to her for the life she was building for herself. What began as a completely unexpected encounter turned into a night spent hanging out with some of Brett’s friends, talking, laughing, and getting to know one another with no expectations. By the end of the night, Brett took off, and JJ honestly didn’t know if she would ever see him again. Now, they often joke about how their story began in a McDonald’s parking lot, proof that sometimes love shows up in the most unexpected places… and from the very beginning, they were lovin’ it.

Not long after their first meeting, JJ and Brett had their first real hangout—and it started with a trip to Kroger to pick out something JJ could cook back at her place. They wandered the aisles for what felt like forever, talking and getting to know each other in that easy, natural way that made time fly. They finally agreed on southern fried chicken salad for dinner. JJ still laughs when she thinks about that night. Brett ended up falling asleep, but it was also the night she learned some very important things, how much he loves olives and dill pickles, but absolutely cannot stand sweet pickles or tomatoes. Their first official date was a trip to Six Flags, and it quickly became one of those days neither of them would ever forget. They brought their kids and Brett’s nephew, turning the day into a full-on adventure filled with excitement, bravery, and just a little bit of chaos. From the moment they walked through the gates, they were determined to make the most of every minute. They rode every ride they could, stood in long lines talking and laughing, and hooping and hollering as each drop and loop took them to the next. Somewhere between the adrenaline and the shared excitement, JJ and Brett found themselves holding onto one another and hands without even thinking about it, everything just felt natural. They laughed until their faces hurt, talked about everything and nothing, and felt a connection growing stronger with every ride. One of the most unforgettable rides that day was Pandemonium. It spun, twisted, and whipped them around so fast it felt like it stole the air right out of their lungs. When they finally stumbled off the ride, breathless and laughing uncontrollably, they could barely stand up straight—but they couldn’t stop smiling. It was the kind of fun that leaves your cheeks sore and your heart racing. The Goliath quickly became their favorite. They rode it more than once, chasing that rush and that feeling of pure joy together. By the end of the day, they were exhausted, sun-tired, and completely happy—but more than anything, they both knew this wasn’t just a fun day. It was the beginning of something real. To this day, Six Flags still holds a special place in their hearts. They go back as often as they can, always drawn by their shared love of roller coasters and the memories that started it all.

JJ and Brett have built a relationship rooted in faith, recovery, intentionality, and unwavering commitment to one another and their family. They dated for about sixteen months before moving in together. At the time, JJ was living in a two-bedroom apartment with her daughter, and Brett joined their home. In those early days, they regularly attended recovery meetings and church together. Neither of them had any desire to get married again — they were content simply dating and building something healthy and steady without pressure. What they didn’t realize was how deeply they were laying the foundation for a lifelong partnership. Eventually, JJ’s son Nathan moved in, and they had Brett’s son Bentlee every other weekend. Before long, they outgrew their two-bedroom apartment. During that season, Brett worked for a local tree service, and JJ worked in recovery at a treatment center. Not long after, she stepped into her dream role at Coweta FORCE — a milestone that represented growth, purpose, and answered prayers for their family. Soon, they were given the opportunity to move into a house. One of their proudest accomplishments was being able to provide a home where all three children had their own bedrooms. To many, it may have seemed simple. To them, it symbolized stability, hard work, healing, and the faithfulness of God. Brett continued working at the tree service until October 2024, when he began a new chapter with Local 72. Each career move, each new opportunity, and each challenge along the way was faced as a team. In July 2022, they took their first vacation as a family — a meaningful moment that marked how far they had come. In 2024, they took their first trip alone together to attend the World Convention in Washington, D.C. Later that year, in December, they were able to take two of their children on a cruise to the Bahamas, creating memories they will cherish forever. They are intentional about their relationship. Regular date nights are a priority. They pray together, pray for each other, and pray for their family. They believe in putting God first, recovery next, then each other, and then their children — a structure that keeps their foundation strong. They have faced difficult seasons — times of grief, sadness, and uncertainty about the future. Yet even in hardship, they remained united. They communicate openly and respectfully, even when they disagree. They listen to one another, support one another’s dreams, and encourage personal growth as well as growth as a couple. They enjoy traveling, watching movies, trying new things, and sharing new experiences. They value time with their children, intentional time alone together, and even time apart to continue developing as individuals. Family is deeply important to them, and their relationship with God is central to everything they do. Brett loves JJ in a way she had never experienced before — thoughtfully, intentionally, and often romantically, surprising her with flowers and small gestures of love. She loves him more than she ever thought possible. What matters to one matters to both. Together, they are a team — committed to the greater good of their relationship and their family. Their story is one of redemption, faith, growth, and enduring love. And they are just getting started.

What began as a simple vacation became the quiet unfolding of forever. During their cruise to the Bahamas in December 2024, JJ and Brett found themselves lingering in deeper conversations, being more intentional with the time they were sharing together as their love grew stronger and deeper. They weren’t officially ring shopping. They weren’t making announcements. They were simply feeling out the possibility — asking the quiet questions: Are we ready for this? Is this what we want? There was a time, both of them had been very certain they would never get married again. But they were no longer the people they used to be. They had grown. They had healed. They had done the hard, honest work, individually and together. Through their journey in recovery and their growing faith, they began to recognize something undeniable: this relationship was different. It wasn’t shaped by fear, insecurity, or the wounds of the past. Their previous relationships did not define this one. This love felt intentional, divinely orchestrated. They truly believed God had brought them together on purpose. And if they wanted to fully honor what He was building, marriage was the next step. During one of the many conversations they had, there was one thing she had shared with him: it was important that their children be part of the moment. Then came Easter morning. They went to church, celebrating resurrection, redemption, and new life, themes that mirrored their own story more than anyone else in the room probably realized. Afterward, they gathered with family for lunch at JJ's sister's house. It felt like any other holiday, warm, joyful, full of conversation and anticipation for the meal. Before they began eating, JJ’s brother-in-law prayed and blessed the food. As everyone lifted their heads, he turned to Brett and said, “Brett has something he’d like to say.” Confusion flickered across JJ’s face. Why did Brett have something to say? And then everything shifted. He gently turned her toward him. In one fluid motion, he dropped to one knee. He was shaking like a leaf. Everything around JJ began to move in slow motion as she felt herself catch her breath and the reality of what was happening washed over her — this was the moment. All three of their children stood there watching. Her mom, stepfather, sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew surrounded them. It was beautiful. Intentional. Perfect. With emotion in his voice and nerves written all over him, Brett said, “It’s been a long time coming. I know how we used to feel about it… but I want to spend forever with you. Will you marry me?” There was no hesitation. “Yes,” she said. “Yes.” A thousand times, yes. On a day that symbolizes resurrection and new beginnings, they stepped into their own — not defined by who they once were, but by who they had become… and by the God who brought them together.