T H E | L O V E L L S

Jami and I had our first date on January 1st, 2021. I was a senior, pursuing a degree in economics at Texas A&M, while Jami embarked on the final stretch of her speech-language pathology undergraduate degree at UT-Dallas. Our connection was instant, there was never an awkward silence and I was constantly surprised that someone I barely knew could share the lens that I looked at life through. By January 3rd, Jami confided in her mother that I was the man she was going to marry. Over the course of 20 days, we went on more than 10 dates, crafting cherished memories during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our dates were filled with laughter and late-night conversations that lasted until the early hours of the morning. Later in 2021, life led us in different directions. Jami pursued her master’s degree in Dallas, while I moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue a career in politics. Yet, the distance only confirmed what we already knew: that we were placed in each other's lives intentionally and purposefully. At the end of May in 2022, Jami reached out to me, setting the stage for our reunion. Over the summer, we shared numerous phone calls rebuilding our foundation of friendship and committing to building space into our lives where we could grow together. After a month of reflection, growth, and renewed connection, we once again committed to pursuing each other intentionally. Long-distance love presents its share of challenges, yet for me, the distance was a catalyst for a life-altering decision. I decided to bridge the gap, relocating to Dallas to be nearer to Jami. I overcame moments of uncertainty and embraced big life changes, all in the name of love. Jami reciprocated this dedication with grace, affection, and support. She stood by me as I navigated a fresh career path in Dallas, extending her patience and love to aid me in carving out a niche in a new industry. Our journey was guided by faith, the power of prayer, open conversations, and the enduring strength of our friendship. On October 14, 2023, at The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, I proposed to Jami. Our love story is a testament of God's provision, care, and unwavering plan. We are forever grateful to Jesus and our incredible support system for bringing us back together. As we step into the future, we are excited to unite in marriage and see where the next chapter of our journey will lead.