August 28, 2022: Karoline spent lunch with her sister and friends one Sunday after church. Knowing her well-connected friends, she passively asked if they knew anyone looking to date. Everyone was shocked and immediately thought of JB, followed by a chorus of “Aww JB!” They quickly started sharing how great JB was and mentioned that he had just started working for St. Ann Parish, the church Karoline also attended. August 29, 2022: The next day, Karoline attended a women’s night of worship at St. Ann. JB was there to do photography and was one of three men in the room (along with the priest and Jesus). As the night ended, Karoline was quickly introduced to JB. They awkwardly met, and JB was whisked away into another conversation. September 12, 2022: A game night was set up for JB and Karoline to get to know each other. JB learned about Karoline’s competitive side when she beat him at his own board game! By the end of the night, JB felt the reciprocated interest and slid into Karoline’s DMs to start chatting and ask her out on a date! September 21, 2022: JB thought it would be fun to surprise Karoline with the events of their first date. Advised by her sister to wear a casual dress, Karoline felt confident in her choice until greeted with, “Is that what you’re wearing?” After changing into a more casual outfit, JB and Karoline went on a hike that included a ‘fill in your own’ bingo card, singing their respective alma maters, talking about life aspirations, and skipping rocks at Lake Grapevine. However, to win the game, JB had pre-filled one bingo spot with “Go on a second date.” Karoline marked it off. They ended the night with dinner and great conversation. October 15, 2022: Karoline and JB began talking daily and going on regular dates. By the end of their first month dating, JB learned just how much Karoline loves the Oklahoma State Cowboys at a football game and decided he wanted to continue pursuing her despite her dramatic sorrow at the loss of her Cowboys against TCU. That night, JB asked Karoline to make it “official” and ended the night with their first kiss! December 24, 2022: Karoline and JB experienced a mix of emotions, from heartfelt conversations and wintry dates to learning how to cope with grief after Karoline's grandmothers passed away. They flew to Houston to meet JB's family for the first time! After a few wonderful days, Christmas Eve came, and it was time to fly back home to Dallas. However, amidst the Southwest Airlines chaos, their flight was canceled last minute. JB, knowing how important it was for Karoline to spend time with her family on Christmas Day, quickly got a car and drove the 4 hours starting late into the night. He arranged a private Mass with his best friend, Fr. Jeronimo, at 1:30 AM. Despite the stress and late-night sleepiness, they both thought, “I could marry this person someday.” Just before engagement: Karoline and JB spent about 16 weeks learning and growing through a pre-engagement program, Impulso. On the last Monday of their class, Karoline began begging JB to propose, not even knowing what was occurring the following Saturday. September 16, 2023: The day was perfect. Karoline’s family and Fr. Jeronimo were in town. JB surprised Karoline with flowers and her best friend, Ashley. After brunch and a relaxing day with friends, JB took Karoline on a walk at Lake Grapevine, recreating their first date. At their favorite spot, with music by their friend Nicole, JB got down on one knee and proposed. Karoline joyfully said "YES!" many times. They celebrated with a private Mass at St. Ann and a surprise engagement party. September 21, 2024: Our wedding day! Karoline told this story, but God is the author. JB and I often reflect on our lives, realizing our stories were written long before. We’re excited to continue our journey with family and friends, celebrating and praying for what Jesus has in store for our marriage. Sts. John Paul II and Mother Teresa, pray for us!