We met on the last day of July in 2022. Esther only had Mondays off, and Caleb was enjoying his summer break from working in the school system. For safety (and a quick escape route if needed), Esther insisted on meeting in a public space. Having been stood up by a previous date, she decided to reuse their idea: buy a Lego set and build it in a park.

We met at Walmart, in the toy section. Esther arrived wearing bold makeup (which she called “spooky”) and Lego earrings. Caleb wouldn’t call it spooky—just daring and eye-catching. Caleb, on the other hand, was dressed in what Esther describes as “little boys’ clothes,” though she admits she noticed his legs looked good in the shorts.

In her “I’m an independent woman and don’t need no man” phase, Esther refused to let Caleb pay for the Lego set. They chose a green Lotus sports car to build and headed to the park, chatting nonstop as they worked on the project. Their fun was interrupted when an old woman declared the seating area reserved for a kids’ birthday party. This moment gave Caleb his first glimpse of Esther’s disdain for authority figures telling her what to do—a Perry family trait she inherited honestly!

Nevertheless, they moved to another spot, completed the Lego car, and realized neither wanted the date to end. So, they continued the conversation over a meal at Chipotle. True to form, Esther once again refused to let Caleb pay.

Fast forward 2½ years, and a lot has changed: Esther has started letting Caleb pay for things—and, more importantly, she’s agreed to marry him. Caleb still isn’t sure how he pulled that off, but he’s not about to question it!

Whether you’ve known one of us for years or have come to know us as a couple, we’re so thrilled to have you celebrate with us on our special day.

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