It was the summer of 2019 when our paths crossed in a spot unassuming to most but top of mind to many Jacksonville Beach locals... Lynch's Irish Pub. After recently graduating from FSU and UF, Justine and I's careers both led us back to our hometown - Jacksonville, FL. Despite being high school and college rivals, we had a number of mutual friends from both schools including a few that introduced us that night. Delaney's attempt to downplay the introduction was short-lived as we realized the attraction we had toward each other was unique. That night we reflected on what led us to that spot, how two people with similar backgrounds growing up in Jacksonville with dozens of mutual friends, had to wait until that night to meet. What was supposed to be an informal introduction among friends turned into immediate chemistry between us. Justine’s personality was contagious, her sense of humor captured the room, her looks turned heads, and her selflessness gravitated others (and I know she would say the same thing about me). She was everything I was looking for in a partner, and I was even willing to open my heart to a Gator as she was to a Seminole. Our relationship has evolved from nervous dinner dates and trips to the zoo, puppy store, Blue Angels, and Jaguars games, to experiencing all that life has to offer while spending memorable moments with each others' friends and family. Leading up to our engagement, there were multiple signs that Justine was the one. Since we started dating, Justine and I have deepened our faith and have become regulars at a local church, Church of Eleven 22. I distinctly remember one service in May of 2022 that started off with a video of an FSU student finding Christ that served as an example of the impact the church can have on someone's life. The pastor that day was Adam Flynt who, as a Gator grad, opened his sermon saying "as a Gator it's hard for me to cheer for FSU, but if the tomb is empty anything is possible." I remember nudging Justine and reminding her how applicable that lesson is in her life. All jokes aside, the timing of that service was particularly unique as I had a lunch date scheduled with Justine's dad that week to ask for Justine's hand in marriage. Although subtle and somewhat humorous, the timing of that comment and relevant sermon that day justified that I was making the right decision in asking Justine to marry me. I proposed to Justine in Amelia Island months later and will never forget that moment we shared on the beach, capped off by a romantic horse ride off into the sunset while the skies opened up on the way to meet friends and family nearby. As we take this next step in our journey together, there are not enough words to describe the love and gratitude we have for all of you and the impact you have had on our lives. We cannot wait to celebrate our marriage with each of you while we start this next chapter of our lives!