We're getting married!

It was a crisp December 5th, 2013, when Tim and Krystal's worlds first collided. Outside was cool but something electric was beginning to stir. Tim's brother (Royal), who had known Krystal for a while, mentioned to her "I’m looking for someone for my brother," he said, and Krystal’s response was, “the brother from the Cruise picture?” Royal had posted some pictures on social media from a previous cruise vacation. Krystal gave Royal her phone number to give to Tim. Tim made the phone call with a typical mix of curiosity, excitement and mild skepticism. But then, Krystal’s voice filled his ears—soft, confident, and effortlessly kind. Something about the way she spoke made Tim feel immediately at ease. He found himself lost in their conversation, even though they'd only just met. He could feel a strange pull toward her, one that was as comforting as it was exciting. Her voice, Tim would later say, was everything. It was the kind of voice that could make someone fall in love with just a few words. When they finally agreed to meet in person, Tim's heart raced. He'd never felt so sure about someone before, even if they'd only shared a few hours of conversation. As soon as he laid eyes on Krystal, there was no doubt—she was the one. There was something so effortlessly beautiful about her: her deep brown eyes, her long legs, and her curly hair that framed her face just perfectly. Her presence was gentle, yet it held a strength that captivated him from the very start. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone; she was simply herself, and that was exactly what Tim loved. Krystal, on the other hand, wasn’t sure what to make of Tim at first. He looked younger than his age. Much younger. But he was 43 and she was 27. Tim stood 5’7 in height compared to Krystal who stood at 5’10. Tim and Krystal had a playful connection that became one of the many things they would laugh about together in the days to come. Their first official date was simple—just coffee—but it felt like magic. Tim had dressed up, trying to make a good impression. He wore his favorite orange and white striped dress shirt, which he thought was sharp and stylish. When Krystal saw it, she couldn’t help but bite back a laugh. That shirt—well, to put it kindly—was not her idea of "fashionable." She looked at him with an amused grin and said, “So is this your favorite shirt you were talking about?” Tim, ever the optimist, insisted, “All the women love this shirt!” Krystal didn’t have the heart to tell him it was, in fact, hideous. She thought it was endearing that Tim was trying so hard, and it made her smile. During that coffee date, they sat across from each other, sipping their drinks and talking as though they’d known each other forever. Tim couldn’t help but ask if he could touch her hair. He reached over and ran his fingers through Krystal’s curly hair. It was so beautiful, so soft, and he loved how it bounced and framed her face. She just smiled at the gesture, feeling oddly touched by it. And from that point on, they found ways to stay in touch every single day. Every morning, without fail, they’d talk on the phone. Some days they’d talk for hours; other days it was just a few minutes, but it was always the most important few minutes of their day. They had shared values, a love for simple moments, and an easygoing nature that made being together feel effortless. They complemented each other, each balancing the other out. Krystal brought a sense of calm and warmth to Tim's life, while Tim’s energy and sense of humor made Krystal laugh like she hadn’t in years. Tim was sure about one thing: he was ready for the next step. He proposed to Krystal overlooking the ocean in Hawaii—intimate, just the two of them. Krystal, with all the love in her heart, said yes. Now, as they make plans for their upcoming wedding, they laugh about how it all began: the phone calls, the coffee date, the hideous shirt, and the many mornings they spent talking before the world woke up.