Celebrating our love in New Orleans

We met at our graduate school program's flag football team in August of 2015. The first time we met, J.B. was wearing a falcons beanie, and Leanne was in Seahawks gear. Within about 5 minutes of meeting each other, we were already teasing each other about the teams. Within a few weeks we started swapping ideas about fantasy football, and soon some of Leanne's friends simply knew J.B. as "football bro". That friendship would bloom into a relationship before long!

After a few months of being football buddies, Leanne suddenly realized what a hunk J.B. was. He claims he was pursuing her during those months, but she denies it. The first date was in November 2015, we decided to take a hike up to the Royal Arch in Boulder. The problem was that it was after a fun night out with our friends... which meant that Leanne was a little worse for the wear. Along the hike, she almost passed out twice. J.B. even caught her once (it was romantic!) We made it to the top and have always treasured that beautiful, albeit difficult, hike.

Leanne moved to New Orleans after John, J.B.'s father, found her first job after graduate school. J.B. had moved to Atlanta to work for his undergrad alma mater right after he finished his grad program, so we had been in a long distance relationship almost 2 years. After some threats, Leanne finally convinced J.B. to make the jump to be with her in New Orleans in spring of 2018. J.B.'s first day officially arriving in New Orleans with his car and trailer of items happened to fall on the same day as Barkus- Leanne's favorite dog Mardi Gras parade. While J.B. moved in, Leanne was partying in the streets with Paisley! We will never forget our first Mardi Gras living together and celebrating.

JB proposed to Leanne on Christmas Eve 2020 in Seattle. We were surrounded by both of our parents and siblings. It was a beautiful way to end 2020. We even got to share the news with Grandma Nancy the next day by visiting with her through the window at her care facility.