Our story began in December 2018 with Christmas lights, carols, and God’s timing. Alex and I are in the same bible study group, and we decided to meet at an event called the Singing Christmas Tree. Daisey Martinez and I were late so we had to sit on the hill beside the football field for most of the performance. I was bummed not to be with our pals, but I was only starting to realize that it had less to do with the fellowship and more to do with a certain guy in the group who I was hoping to see. During one of the carols I confessed the crush to Daisey. After it was over, Alex and I, along with Daisey and Brynn Corbello, decided to ride around to look at Christmas lights. Alex and I had known each other for a couple of years at this point, but everything felt different that night. Spending time with friends is always great, but what made me the happiest that night was being with Alex. Fast forward to March 2019. Alex and I had texted a few times, but my crush was still mostly a secret one. Only Daisey knew, and she tried desperately to convince me that it wasn’t one-sided. Our group decided to go to a crawfish boil at Cathead Distillery, where I kept “mysteriously” winding up next to Alex. We chatted more than we ever had, and I started to realize for the first time just how much we had in common. Afterwards, we went to Old Capitol Inn for drinks at the rooftop bar. It was chilly, but space heaters and blankets kept us all warm. Once again, I continued to “mysteriously” wind up next to Alex. During one not-so-mysterious moment, Daisey pointed a small group of us over to the edge of the rooftop. Slowly, everyone started to drift back to the heaters—everyone except Alex and me. Looking out over downtown, I casually mentioned I’d never been to the MS History Museum. As if he had been anticipating that very question , Alex asked if I’d want to go with him. That was the first time I eagerly said “Yes” to Alex. The next big “Yes” would come two years later. ♡

Within those two joy-filled years, Jordan became my partner in crime, my greatest confidante, and one of my closet friends. We quickly realized our shared passion for family and faith, and we enjoyed music, dancing, and travel together. Even a pandemic couldn’t keep us from the road to celebrate two adventurous anniversaries. Whether is was exploring trails on the Natchez Trace, visiting a ghost town, enjoying the blues of the Mississippi Delta, or dreaming about a trip to Japan, Jo and I felt ready to face the world together. When we came to the conclusion that we both wanted to get married, no doubt remained in my mind that I was going to spend my life with the most wonderful woman I've ever met. The question remained of how to devise a proposal worthy of her, so I hatched a plan. One month prior to my birthday, I made reservations and bought a gift card to Walker's Drive In. I told her that I won it at a work retreat and suggested later on that we go there the day prior to my birthday to celebrate. It provided the perfect cover. While she sent pictures of our meal to her family, I had a ring sized hole burning in my pocket. After dinner, I asked her if we could run an errand at St. Richard Church. She agreed, of course. I led her into the building and then into the very room in which we first met. There, Daisey, my mother, and myself had set up a romantic scene with rose petals, a tent, and white Christmas Lights, as a reminder of when it all started. With a fluttering heart yet steady hand, I got down on one knee and exchanged a ring for the greatest gift she has yet to give me, her second "yes." From there, we drove full circle, back to the Old Capital Inn where family was waiting to celebrate our life together thus far and the possibilities to come.