I don’t remember exactly when we met. We were mutual acquaintances, and I was 14; things like picking up on signs from a girl were still years away. One day, after school let out, she passed by. I saw her and thought to myself “Wow, she’s so pretty.” You would think I would act on this, strike up a conversation, add her on Facebook, something, ANYTHING! You’d be wrong. It took me 4 years to work up the gumption and ask for her phone number. I was doing my own laundry for the first time ever. I had moved away to college, 150 miles away from home, away from that one very pretty girl. I decided that this was the perfect time to finally text her. Our first date was at a Panera Bread 2 weeks later. I played coy; I said I had a gift card that was going to expire (gift cards don’t expire) and was wondering if you wanted to grab lunch? When I picked her up she was wearing a red dress. My skills as a ladies man hadn’t progressed much, but I knew I was on the right track. The story picks up again a few days after New Years. I was back home from school and much to my delight, she always wanted to hang out. We spent January going to diners, bookstores, and bistros, talking around the growing elephant in the room: we were falling in love. That March, I snuck back home for the Friday night showing of the spring musical. I sent her a rose anonymously and settled in my seat. My heart jumped every time she stepped on stage. After the show, we got into my car and she said “You should kiss me.” It is as firm and direct as she has ever said anything to me to this day. She and I became We. That is how we met. In the 8 years between then and now, our love for each other has grown, as we have grown together as a couple and as individuals. I am so proud of the person Jenn is, and I am sure we can do anything together. We are so excited to be marrying one another and even more excited to be sharing our special day with all of you. We can’t wait to see you all there! -John