Flash back to 1997. Hendrick Middle School. All students were required to either join Choir, Orchestra, or Band.

Brandon wanted to play the Trombone. Unfortunately, the bulky instrument was not condusive to his daily shenanigans. He wanted to ride his bike to and from school, so he switched to the Flute. It fit in his backpack. Flute class was RIGHT NEXT TO the lunchroom. Plus... all the cute girls were in that class! Oh look... a blonde in the front row!

Kristen hated homework. If she had to choose an instrument, may as well be the flute. It was cute and dainty and how hard could it be to play? She was gifted with a musical ear and picked it up relatively quickly, even though practicing was a non starter. What she was slow to pick up on however were the boys in her atmosphere. Hmm... who is that in the back row counting down the minutes until lunchtime?

Even though Brandon and Kristen were in each others classes and knew the same people, the connection did not register yet. Brandon went on to be a football player, and Kristen a cheerleader. How cute.

***

Cut to highschool. Brandon and Kristen went to different Senior Highs, but still somehow stayed in each other's orbits. Kristen was dating a REAL WINNER (not), and his roommate happened to be one of Brandon's best friends. The spark was there, but the timing was off. The friendship kindled.

Fast forward to their late twenties. Paths continued to cross, but the timing still did not line up. They went on dates a few different times, had dozens of phone conversations lasting until the sun came up, and genuinely connected over the years, even when geography changed. When Brandon was in Austin, Kristen was in San Antonio, etc. The cycle continued. They kept in touch.

***

September 2021 the reconnection stuck. Both Kristen and Brandon did quite a bit of traveling that fall, but the conversation continued with promises to "catch up soon." The phone call Kristen SWORE she would not answer (because who wants to talk on the phone anymore? Just text!) came through due to Brandon's immense stubbornness and insane confidence. Plans were made. Little did they know then, they were about to have their LAST first date.

There were a few breakups early on, but in hindsight these were necessary to foster growth. This growth (on both sides) was essential in developing this relationship into the epic love story it has become.

B and K's Life Adventures were off to a great start!

Travel. Casinos. Beaches. Storm chases. Midnight dances in the kitchen. Shabooms. Never ending laughter.

He taught her to fish. She taught him to lead. They taught each other how to love. They grew closer to each other and closer in their faith. Exploring the world hand in hand, Brandon and Kristen have found joy in every moment together.

***

On February 29th, 2024, Brandon asked Kristen for a date night, and to change things up, suggested a Mambo Taxi in Plano - near her office. Little did she know, he had been planning this special night for days. He scoped out the resteraunt in advance, got the wait staff involved, had a typed out itinerary (in military time) and even had a code word to launch his whole plan into action!

To Kristen's absolute shock, the wait staff brought out a BEAUTIFUL bouquet of flowers, Brandon got down on one knee, and asked to spend forever with the love of his life. **Spoiler Alert - SHE SAID YES!** He even had a photographer friend sneak in unnoticed to capture the whole moment.

The love story has come full circle. Brandon proposed at the very spot they had their first date two and a half years prior.

***

Stay tuned for future life adventures with B and K!

Please join the happy couple to celebrate their continuing love story on September 22, 2024.

Sorry Luke Combs, you didn't get it quite right... Sometimes FOREVER lasts after all!

Sheriton Mckinney