Brandon knew about Jacqueline before she knew about him. In fact, he had asked for details on the new incoming interns for the predoctoral program, curious if any of the ladies coming into town would tickle his fancy. He remembers looking her up on Facebook, noticing right away that she had a child in her picture. . . Was she a mom? he wondered? He was not sure he was ready for that. But he was intrigued.


In October of 2018, Jacqueline and Brandon met for the first time through his Aunt Teri at a family function. Jacqueline thought he was very tall, and maybe too good-looking, thinking he might have gotten many things hed wanted in life based on those looks. They enjoyed conversation together, though, and she realized that he seemed down-to-earth and charming. This would be the first of many group outings where Brandon and Jacqueline would get to know each other better. They were building a friendship as far as Jacqueline knew. Brandon was very good at playing the role of a guy friend and nothing more. However, Brandon was noticing he enjoyed Jacquelines outgoing and funny personality, liked that they shared a love of hunting, and couldnt help but find her attractive.


However, Brandon shared he needed some liquid courage to get Jacquelines phone number. In December, he finally made the next move. They started talking more and went on their first date in January of 2019 at the restaurant Flame. This led to more dates, one of their next ones being a Jeeping trip on Womble Mountain. It was an unseasonably warm day in February, and the Jeep sunk into the rocky mud. Unfortunately, they were now in a spot on the mountain that they could not go back from and could only work their way forward and down. Brandon kept going to the wench while Jacqueline drove the Jeep, trying to beat the sunset. It was a good test of their budding relationship, and a moment for them to see their ability to be partners. By the time they made it off the mountain, it was dark and they were covered in mud. But they were smiling. In spite of the stress, theyd still had fun.


During this time, Jacqueline was also applying for postdoctoral training programs across the country. She had the opportunity to stay or go somewhere else. The future of their relationship lay in the balance. Jacqueline remembers Brandon being supportive of her during this time. He never tried to sway her decision, although he shared he also would love her to stay. At the end of the day, he wanted her to be where she felt was best for her.


The way Brandon handled this situation said a lot to Jacqueline. When she found out she had a chance to go to Baltimore to do more of the same type of work, or she could stay in southern Illinois and continue her work there, she decided to stay. A few days later, on March 3rd, they made their relationship official.


Brandon met her parents shortly after and was there with her family during a stressful time of family medical challenges. Brandon fit right in, and he had met the little boy in the picture he originally thought was her son. That little boy, and now another and a little girl, enjoy him very much and have him as their soon-to-be Uncle Brandon.


Jacqueline also got to know Brandons family, and having built relationships with his friends early in their meeting each other, felt so welcomed and at home in his world and community. At the end of the day, Brandon and Jacqueline had so much in common. They were loyal and loving to their family and friends, enjoyed the outdoors and getting a little dirty, and didnt sweat the small stuff. They both also were never afraid to be themselves, silly as that might be.


Brandon and Jacqueline told each other they loved one another on May 4th, 2019. This day was easy to look back on because Jacqueline had been out of town and came back the next day for them to share that with one another. Their relationship continued through many life experiences and phases, from the pandemic, to moving in together in Harrisburg, Illinois, to Brandon making the ultimate change by moving with Jacqueline to Iowa to pursue her career goals as a psychologist and be near family. They have a pact that if he ever decides he is unhappy up North that they can make the move back down to southern Illinois. That is what partnership is all about.


In December of 2022, Brandon proposed to Jacqueline at Little Grand Canyon, a favorite hike that they have gone on together many times. In many ways, it feels like they are already married, but they are excited to make the commitment they have to one another official and share that with their closest loved ones. There are so many special people who have been a part of their story, and they cannot wait to share the day with them.


Also, they like big dogs and they cannot lie. Shout out to their first true loves, Hemingway and Thad. Brandon and Jacqueline are pretty sure Hemingway thinks Brandon is hers and Jacqueline is Thad’s. We will never tell them the truth.