Annette and Thomas’s journey together began on June 15, 2019. Thomas jumped in Annette’s hoopty Honda Odyssey with no air conditioning in front of the Food Lab in Downtown Riverside. Annette was unfamiliar with the area and needed help finding a place to park. Thomas quickly jumped in the van, helped Annette find parking, and even parked her van for her. Annette thinks it might have been Thomas’s expert parallel parking skills that may have sealed the deal for her. Or it might have been the romantic walk around downtown and the old antique bookstore he took her to so she could buy a book.

Either way, after that first day, they were inseparable. Things progressed quickly, with Thomas meeting Annette’s parents later that month, Annette meeting Thomas’s parents on July 4th, and them saying I love you on August 10, 2019.

Then came the big test. It was time for their children to meet each other. Their children bonded almost instantly. They have formed a strong bond that is evident even today. On September 7, 2019, they had their first outing as a little blended family. This would lead to many more family adventures in the future.

On December 1, 2019, Annette and Thomas moved in together with their children. It was an exciting time. Then Covid hit.

Covid made and broke many families. Thankfully, it made their small family stronger, and closer than ever before.

Years passed. After many fun, exciting, and cherished family memories later, Thomas and Annette celebrated their 5th anniversary on June 15, 2024.

On June 22, 2024, Thomas and Annette found themselves in Downtown Riverside again. They enjoyed dinner and a romantic stroll around the shops. At the Historical Mission Inn, in front of the St. Francis of Assisi sculpture, Thomas got down on one knee and asked Annette to marry him. Annette said, “Yes, a thousand times, yes.”

Together, they've shared countless adventures, supported each other through ups and downs, and built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories with their children. They are so excited to continue this journey as a married couple and create even more beautiful moments together.

Thank You

We are incredibly grateful for the love and support from our family and friends. Your presence in our lives has made our story even more meaningful. We can't wait to celebrate our wedding day with you and begin this new chapter together.

With love,

Thomas & Annette