Our Love Story

Austin and Joanna met in the fall of 2015 when they both began teaching at Conrad High School. Fast-forward to the spring of 2017, Joanna decided that she was done with coaching volleyball, so she set forth on a mission to convince the cute math teacher to take her spot. After stating how great it would be for him to coach and how much she would miss it (a little white lie), Austin seemed to be on board with joining the team. Joanna's devilish scheme put her on Austin's radar, and he enacted a plan of his own. On April 8, 2017, Austin asked Joanna to join him and a few friends at a Texas Ranger's game. Plot twist...everyone else canceled last minute, so it was just the two of them at the game. Joanna did not buy the story of last-minute cancelations; however, she definitely did not mind the new circumstances of the date. They hit it off and were inseparable for the rest of the summer.

After a summer of romance and fun in the sun, Austin and Joanna began coaching volleyball together. Alas, she was named head coach instead of being able to bow out gracefully. Although Joanna and Austin often butted heads over coaching styles, they managed to form an even stronger bond. Relationship tip: test out your new relationship by managing and coaching 30 teenage girls. You will know ASAP if that person is right for you. After a year and a half of dating, Joanna and Austin moved into their current home and spent their spare time building a foundation for their future. They began to meet each other's friends and family while traveling to California, Arizona, Florida, Arkansas, Hill Country, Europe, and more. They even decided to test out Joanna's lung capacity and adopted a little Nova girl pup to keep Brody company.

Let's be honest, we all know that the Covid-19 pandemic was the absolute worst. However, the pandemic proved to be just another example of how great Joanna and Austin are together. Imagine: you are stuck in a house with 2 overactive german shepherds while trying to teach virtually, remain sane, and not buy every plant in a 25 mile radius in an effort to spark joy. During these two years, Joanna and Austin bonded even more and formed more common goals, ideals, and interests. In February of 2022, Austin enlisted Rachel's help to surprise Joanna. Of course, Joanna proved difficult to surprise. When Austin suggested a restaurant downtown, Joanna countered with one closer to home next to her favorite Target. After some panicked texts between Austin and Rachel, they finally managed to get Joanna to the Margaret Hunt Bridge before brunch on a brisk Sunday morning. As Joanna scouted perfect spots for Rachel to take maternity photos, Austin got down on one knee and proposed. Obviously, Joanna said yes!