Everyone was quick to doubt the love we had for each other. But it only drew us closer. There wasn't a moment that would pass that we didn't fall deeper and deeper into each other's companionship. We began as friends, quicky realizing that we couldn't stand the distance between us, although it was only about a mile... We wanted more, needed more. The thought of not being around each other or talking constantly drove us crazy. We knew, this was it. This was what love felt like. After becoming more than just friends hanging out. We began our journey together as a couple. It wasn't much longer until we knew we didn't want to spend another day without each other's company. This was our new life, what we both craved and needed. Our anniversary date at Texas Roadhouse, turned into a surprising proposal, delivered on a desert dish after Richard "forgot his wallet" in the car. With the entire Texas Roadhouse watching, Richard got down on one knee, with sweaty hands and shaking legs, he asked Meridian what every little girl dreams of hearing when they become a woman. With teary eyes and rosy cheeks, MERIDIAN SAID YES! Crying and laughing, with the whole restaurant clapping and cheering, we shared a kiss and a hug that made the world stop, just for a moment. Still glowing off of the excitement, after Meridian ring checked her hand 1000 times, we got up to leave, and the waiter informed us the lady two seats down from us had covered our bill. With melted hearts and cherished moments, we had been congratulated multiple times on our way out, but the lady who paid, hers meant the most to us as she sat alone finishing her meal. On the ride home, that was the topic of our conversation. Who was she? Was she a widow? Divorced? Missing someone who's supposed to be there with her? Like many other times, it was clear by the way we both felt the empathy and sympathy for the lonely lady who bought our meal for our special day, rather than the excitement that we had just gotten engaged, that was yet another proven moment we were the same person, meant to be together. Day after day, moment after moment, we prove to each other that we're meant to be. Our outlooks on life, they're the same. Our love for one another, the same. Our love for our families, the same. On our journey through life, we found ourselves with 3 beautiful children, two of which are together, all three of which we love deeply and cherish every waking moment with. With Meridian's first pregnancy, we felt the need to tie the knot quickly. We got legally married, knowing we would eventually have our wedding ceremony, when the time was right. With Sophia and Ellie here, we were sure it wouldn't be long until we had a celebration with our family to recognize our love for each other. Then, standing in the kitchen one evening, Meridian decided to take a walk in with a DipStick that had two little lines present... Well hello there Mr. Winston Thomas, glad you could make your appearance before the ceremony haha. With two under 2, one 10 year old and a wiener dog named Tater... Our family was finally complete. LET'S CELEBRATE! Please join us in this ceremony, FINALLY! We hope to see you all there on this special, long-awaited day. We love you all and we want to say thank you to everyone for the support you've offered along our journey. See you soon! -Richie & Meridian