We're getting married!

It was a beautiful Thursday on August 31, 2023, and I, Taylor, lived in Tampa, Florida. On this day, I found myself in St. Petersburg with some time to kill before I headed to a comedy show at 7:00 PM. Alone and unfamiliar with the majority of this city, I headed to the venue roughly an hour early to see what might be nearby. I parked on the street upon arriving and took a look around. To my right and sharing a parking lot with the comedy club is a restaurant named "Good Intentions." To my left is a primary care office. Straight ahead is... another parking lot with dark shadows cast by the interstate running above. I took a breath and decided today was all about stepping out of my comfort zone. So, I looked in the rearview mirror, applied some chapstick, and for the first time in my life walked into a restaurant by myself to sit at the bar. As I took a seat, I was greeted by a handsome man with shiny hair, beautiful blue eyes, a well-groomed mustache, and roundish glasses that suited him well. He was nicely dressed. He spoke gently and had quite an impressive vocabulary – noticeable even in the limited dialogue so far. He made sure to look me in the eyes. For the first few minutes after he served me my well-made drink, I nervously scrolled on my phone. It wasn't until he approached me again, asking something about "if I was planning on going to 'Gecko Fest'," that I decided to put my phone away and talk to the handsome man. From our conversation, I learned about Gecko Fest, Gulfport, his dog named Opie, his time at Middle Tennessee State University, his inclination for music, and his cacti. I couldn't stop thinking about how intelligent, interesting, and polite he was. But to my dismay, it was nearing 7:00 PM, and this meant my time at Good Intentions was running short. I could only focus on the strong pull I felt towards him. As I signed my receipt, I looked up at him and asked the question all the kids do now-a-days: "Before I leave, could I have your Instagram?" He smiled as I handed him my phone to type it in. I thanked him and left. At 8:56 PM that same night, I received a direct message from Daniel: "It was nice to meet you! You should definitely come to gecko fest!" I couldn't stop thinking about him. We met again two days later; It was in fact at Gecko Fest. It was also the best day of my life. It felt as if I was hanging out with my best friend of forever. The conversation was easy. We talked and laughed for hours as we got to know each other through the jam band music, a moving crowd of locals, and shouts of vendors. We walked on the pier, shared a drink, and people-watched. We ultimately ended the night sitting on a bench at the local Gulfport beach, overlooking the water. I remember that first date and how I felt so vividly: the butterflies, the warmth, the cheek pain from smiling so much. Maybe I remember it so well because the feeling has never gone away. I still get the butterflies when I see a text appear on my phone from Daniel. I still get warm and fuzzy when the workday is ending, and I know I get to meet him at home. I still get cheek pain from smiling and laughing so much with him. Alongside the old, new feelings have grown too. There is the feeling of reassurance with the first hug we share after a long day. The feeling of excitement when we discover a new nature preserve to trek. The feeling of gratitude when he makes me coffee on our restful weekend mornings. The feeling of protection when he walks me to my car, no matter the time, place, or weather. The reassurance, excitement, gratitude, and protection are only byproducts of a much more encompassing feeling I have every single second of every single day – love. From the first moment I saw him until now and through forever, I love Daniel. Every day I feel so blessed and grateful that here I am, three years later, getting to marry to my absolute soulmate. I know Daniel feels the same way.

We thank you so much for being here to celebrate us on the most special and amazing day of our lives. We are so grateful and excited to begin this new chapter in life. We couldn't be who either of us are without you. I hope you're ready to celebrate!