Our love story is such a beautiful one. We will start by saying we met back in high school and we reacquainted as Facebook friends in 2020. In between that time we experienced life, love, birthing of children, heartbreak and loss. It seems on October 27th, 2021, I pushed the "like" button for the final time before Drew mustered up the courage to messaged me on Facebook. I won't forget the buzz between all my coworkers and friends that day. It was wonderful for us both to connect with someone and be transparent about everything. Our friendship blossomed and Drew asked me out on a date and I accepted. Days before our date I did the silliest thing and sent him my telephone number as an unwrappable virtual GIF through Facebook messanger, so I thought. Turns out I mistyped in my nervousness and sent Drew the wrong number. Which was hilariously discovered Novemeber 12th 2021, the day of our First Date, when he called the number to a wonderfully kind Texan. As if the day couldn't get any any funnier, our date proved to be the most memorable. That evening started with GPS guiding Drew to the wrong house to which I could see him off in the distance through the trees, we went out for pasta and salad at Tony's but without first having some blushing laughter with a blutooth call from his sister to really break that ice even more, to meeting his sister this time in person, and her best friend, meeting his mother and grandmother, star gazing, over 100 miles driven and 9 hours together. Our second date and first kiss was only 16 hours later. That same month Drew and I met each others children along with some of my family. Since then Drew, myself and our children have developed such a bond with each other we all can't help but desire to be together always, because together we are "home". Everything from these sweet moments onward bring us to November 12th 2022, Our One Year Anniversary. Leading up to dinner Drew was prepared to go out but I unknowingly and adamantly began preparing dinner, while he had other plans for the evening. Drew arranged the most unexpected proposal. Him bent on one knee I turn around in my kitchen and I, overcome with emotions while Drew was shaking with pure nervous joy, repeated "OMG are you serious, OMG" followed by a huge "YES"! We knew the moment we met each other, we were something special. Crafted perfectly for one another and our children. The universe willed our unspoken wishes from the stars above and timed our reconnection perfectly. We both can't wait to tie our families together and seal the bond of our love in the presence of our family and friends. We hope to see you at our celebration.

When asked about meeting the Bride, his daughter Sara Elizabeth Young, Gary replied: "November 23 1988 ,Lackland AFB Texas basic training. Zero dark 30, the night before Thanksgiving and all 50 airmen in my dorm were asleep. The intercom in the main hall blasted to life with what sounded like the voice of doom. The night duty sergeant called out “AIRMAN YOUNG FRONT AND CENTER “. I popped up, ran to the intercom and stood at attention. “AIRMAN YOUNG REPORTING AS ORDERED “ I replied. “AIRMAN YOUNG YOU ARE NOW THE PROUD FATHER OF A HEALTHY BABY GIRL, CONGRATULATIONS “. The entire dorm started cheering ! The intercom exploded “NOW GET YOUR ASS BACK TO BED AND EVERYBODY SHUT UP “. I did not sleep. The following morning all basic trainees were offered the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with local military families. I was with a group of 4 or 5 airmen at one home and they graciously offered to let me use the phone as much as I wanted to talk and listen to my brand new baby girl! It would be almost a month before I would have the chance to see her. I would graduate basic and go to Sheppard AFB for advanced training. I came home for Christmas break. I flew home on the evening of December 23, 1988. It was cold and the fresh fallen snow was deep (for Oklahoma ). The night was crisp and quiet, except for Sara’s crying from inside the warm house. I couldn’t take my eyes off her but was so afraid to hold her. My mom, Nana, had to show me how to hold her…… We “give our daughters away” at a wedding but we never ever stop holding them." All fathers have a tough love when it comes to the men that love their daughters. When asked about meeting the Groom, Andrew "Drew" Michael Parrish, Gary replied: "On meeting Drew. All new boyfriends should be viewed with a high degree skepticism or even possibly suspicion. I initially sensed an incongruity with him. His deep southern accent, his twang said mud boggin and natty ice, both of which I have enjoyed, but what Sara was saying was LOTR and Star Wars, gaming and general nerdy interests, the languages I’m more familiar with, so as long as she likes him, I like him. Skip foreword to Christmas eve 2022. I find out that on Drew’s suggestion, he and Sara spent a very late night, in his car, at the Brooker Elementary School parking lot wrapping presents for my son, Andrew. If I knew nothing else about him this would be enough. In my opinion Drew is honorable, selfless, dependable and generous. A man worthy of my daughter’s hand. "

When asked about meeting the Groom, her son Andrew Micheal Parrish, Stacy replied: On a cold day Sunday February 14, 1988, I first met Andrew Michael Parrish, Drew as we call him. I remember your Dad and I were so excited as we got to the hospital. It didn't take long for you to arrive, all 10lbs of you!! We all laughed because Mam said you looked like Charles Bronson but when I held you and looked at you I thought to myself how beautiful you truly were. Every finger, Every toe, Oh and that gorgeous headful of hair! I admired everything little thing. When you opened your eyes and looked at me you completely stole my heart! My precious sweet bundle of love. My love child. I recieved the best Valentine's day gift on that day.🩷Drew, as the years have flown by you are the one that can always make me smile no matter what, you have been my rock. God blessed me with such a kind hearted, compassionate and humorous son in you. You will always be my Boo Bear. Mothers are like god in the eyes of a child and when those boys grow to be men mothers are redefined as elements of what they are looking for in a spouse. It is a testiment to those mothers when a man finds a worthy match, that loves them as unconditionally as their mothers do. When asked about meeting the Bride, Sara Elizabeth Young, Stacy replied: Meeting Sara : It was Drew and Sara's 1st date and they stopped by our house for quick "Hellos" and the next day visited to help move a camper on the property. When Sara sat down and started talking with us I noticed just how simply beautiful she really was. She naturally fit in flawlessly with us. As I listened to her I wondered if this sweet Gal could be the one for my son. I have always wanted Drew to meet someone that was deserving of him. Someone that would truly love him and my grand-daughter Gracie unconditionally and make them happy. As time has passed, I've seen how much Sara's kindness and love has shined through, she is such a giving and devoted sweet soul. Not only to my son and grand-daughter but to her precious son Holton. She truly is an inspiration to us. Drew lights up every time he talks about her and this makes my heart so happy. This is all I ever wanted for him. Sara, you truly are the one for Drew and Gracie. Y'all have my blessing and may the future hold happiness and much love.