We cannot thank you enough for being a part of both of our lives, and our big day. We are excited to celebrate with you over the next several months and spend the weekend with you in November in Houston! Love, Julia and Jeff
I was a young, wide-eyed scrawny boy (still am) traveling from Southwest Missouri to a far away foreign land, named Texas, to continue my illustrious education. My first night at Baylor, my roommate asked me to join him in singing Happy Birthday to a girl he met at Line Camp. I told him I couldn't go with him until I found this girl a present. So where do two 18 year old boys go gift shopping? Walmart. Armed with the necessities (a sling-shot stuffed monkey, which I picked out, and a heart-felt necklace, carefully-selected by my roommate) we felt on top of the world and were ready to sing Happy Birthday. We walked up the long winding driveway to the girls dorm, admiring the perfectly manicured scenery along the way. Upon arrival, my roommate and I were greeted by a small brunette ("blonde-ish", per her words). We instantly broke into song, belting Happy Birthday in C Minor. I, of course, sang to "Jennifer", confident that was in fact her name. That was the first time I completely made a fool of myself, but certainly would not be the last. That night, through artfully curated gifts, my roommate and I gave the first girl I met at Baylor a sling-shot stuffed monkey and a necklace with the inscription "You will hold a place in my heart forever". After a year of study sessions and late night walks with "Jennifer", I found myself struggling with a deep emotional decision. I, man of few external-facing feelings, had feelings for the girl to whom I gave a sling-shot monkey. After "dragging my feet for literally ever" (again, her words), I asked that girl on a date. In the end, the Walmart necklace was right - the first girl I met at college will hold a place in my heart forever. No one knew how much that first, warm, August night at Baylor would impact mine and Julia's lives. Now, after 7.5 years, 5 moves, and 4 years of long distance, I get to marry that girl! And I get to do it standing beside my roommate, now my Best Man. -Jeff