To put it short: They met at a wedding and it's safe to say love was in the air. Brian was the best man in his childhood friend's wedding and Payton was invited as a mutual friend's plus one - cheers to the Hillhouse's! The night before, they wandered into another wedding reception at the venue to dance together. The next day they ventured over to a nearby casino and learned a bit more about one another over the roulette table. That night at the Hillhouse's wedding they danced more and chatted at the post-wedding cigar room party. They instantly had a connection. After the weekend, Brian went back home to Austin, TX and Payton to Springfield, MO. After 3 long weeks, Brian went out on a limb and asked Payton to be his date to another wedding. He was nervous about how she would respond to the invitation, but luckily for him she said YES! At the wedding in Oklahoma they were able to spend significantly more time together and continued to grow closer. Their friends saw a connection from the outside looking in and it became obvious that there was something very special between them.

With nearly 10 hours between them, Brian and Payton spent their early days calling, texting, and road-tripping for any chance to see each other. From concerts and football games to surprise visits and extended weekends, they made the most of long-distance life. In January 2022, Payton moved to Austin—finally ending the distance! But just a few months later, a new job brought her back to Springfield. Brian quickly suggested they move in together, and by April, they were sharing an apartment in a 55+ community (yes, really). Between pickleball games and weekend river floats, they built a life full of laughter and weekday traditions. In fall 2023, they moved to downtown Kansas City for Brian’s new job and spent a year enjoying city life in the Crossroads District. By August 2024, they were ready to plant roots—and bought their first home in Lee’s Summit, MO! It’s been the perfect place to start their next chapter together.

Since moving into their first home in Lee’s Summit, Brian and Payton have been busy turning the house into a home. They've tackled painting projects, dug out drainpipes, landscaped the backyard, and learned a lot along the way. They’ve hosted a handful of fun gatherings with friends and family and recently added a new member to the crew—a mini labradoodle named Hank. He’s full of energy, loves to nap just as hard as he plays, and has proudly destroyed every toy except the ones that aren't his (good boy!). With all the life changes, they decided to completely reimagine their wedding plans. Instead of the original venue, they’ll now be celebrating with a backyard reception at their home—keeping things meaningful, memorable, and full of love. They can’t wait to share this special moment in the place where their next chapter is already unfolding.