Courtney and Tom’s story began long before they ever imagined it would—back in high school, where they graduated in the same class. Though they had mutual friends, their paths never truly crossed in a meaningful way. Life took them in different directions, and for over a decade, they lived separate lives. Then, 12 years later, fate (and Facebook) intervened. Tom found Courtney online, sent her a friend request, and reached out. Their conversations started with catching up on lost time but soon became something more. A year later, they finally went on their first date—pizza, simple and perfect. Just one week after that first date, they met each other’s families. It was an instant connection. Tom’s mother, Regina, declared that if they ever broke up, she was keeping Courtney. Courtney’s mother, lovingly known as Grammy, felt the same about Tom. Both mothers saw what Courtney and Tom hadn’t yet fully realized—their love was meant to last. Not long after, Grammy told Tom to move in with them, making him an official part of the family. When Courtney introduced Tom to her big sister, Carolina, it was a moment she’ll never forget—Carolina actually liked him, a first for any of Courtney’s boyfriends. But the real moment of clarity came from Courtney’s sons, Dezmond and Troy, who were 10 and 9 at the time. They would take Tom’s boots, clomp around the house in them, and eagerly wait for him to come home from work. Seeing the love and bond grow between Tom and her boys, Courtney knew—this was the man she would spend forever with. And now, surrounded by the family who knew it all along, they are ready to say “I do” and begin the next chapter of their beautiful journey together.