Despite growing up in the same town, attending the same church, going to Texas A&M, and sharing countless mutual friends, our paths somehow never crossed—until they finally did in the most unexpected way.

We met while volunteering with the youth ministry program at St. Laurence Catholic Church. Haley was leading a group of 6th grade girls, and Tristan had a group of 6th grade boys. What followed were months of stolen glances, and a certain someone being affectionately referred to as “church boy” among Haley’s friends.

It wasn’t until a retreat that we finally had the chance to talk—when Haley was asked to step in as the “nurse” after Tristan accidentally kicked a teen in the face with a soccer ball (a memorable first impression, to say the least!).

Not long after, Tristan asked Haley on our first date, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.