We met at the University of Florida during our sophomore year. Go Gators!!! Jessica had a big crush on Rob from the second she saw him (picture the giant heart eyes from cartoons going "hubba hubba"). We were in the same friend group and quickly became close friends – always feeling like we could count on one another and have deep, heartfelt chats. Over time, our friendship grew. In December of 2016, Robert came to visit Jessica in Jupiter, FL for the holidays. She remembers her mom, Joan, saying, “Jessica, he is so nice and so handsome, you should date him!” “I’m trying, Mom!” Jessica said. We had our first kiss that weekend. WAHOO!!! Fast forward to April 28, 2017, the weekend we both were graduating from college, and Rob invited Jessica to his graduation dinner. There, he introduced Jessica to his mom, Lisa, as his girlfriend! We both lived in Gainesville together for another year, and on May 12, 2018, we adopted our sweet dog Gordy. Gordy took turns spending the night at each other’s apartment – a spoiled boy with two sets of toys, beds, and food bowls. In August, Rob moved back home to Fort Myers and Jessica went to Jupiter – while we figured out our next move. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, after all! In February of 2019, Robert, Jess & Gordy all moved in together in Fort Myers where we currently reside as the soon-to-be Hoeflings!!!

After a difficult year for all, the Hoeflings and Mandels were in dire need of some relaxation and family time, so we all rented an Airbnb in Naples. Saturday morning, May 8, 2021, Robert asked Jessica if she wanted to go with him to Barefoot Beach to see the sunrise. Going early to the beach had been a favorite pastime of ours. The cooler weather, watching the sky change colors, and the stillness of the morning always made waking up early more than worth it – especially on this day! While walking on the beach holding hands, no one was around. Before Jessica knew it, Rob got down on his knee and asked her his best question yet “will you marry me?” “YES!!!,” Jessica said. It was so sweet and special and very them. They saw a woman walking by a few minutes later and asked her to take their photo. She said, "I pray you both to have a blessed marriage." And blessed we pray it will be! "A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

Together with our friends and family, we will officially become Mr. & Mrs. Hoefling on December 10, 2022 The Mizner Estate | 2572 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901 The ceremony begins at 4:30 pm. Food, Drinks & Dancing to follow! Semi-formal attire is requested. Wahooo!