Jennifer and Gary‘s love story began in high school. Jennifer was the new girl in school, Gary was the established cool guy. They shared, one class, for one half of a semester, but that would prove to be all they needed. While they were definitely interested in one another, they were young and busy with crushes on other boys and girls, homework, family, and basically trying to figure out this thing called life. Jennifer graduated in 1991 and was off to college. That should have been the end of the story…but one night when Jennifer was back home, they ran into each other, hung out the rest of the night and Jennifer waited for Gary to ask her out another night……. waited and waited.

They lost track of each other again; with no clue their lives would come back together on Facebook. They can thank Mark Zuckerberg because without him there would be no love story. No marriage. They laughed about that one night over 30 years ago, they had fun reconnecting and remembering their youth.

Over a few casual get togthers for drinks, they caught up on their lives, families, adventures, and careers. They also talked about disappointments, regrets, and confusion. Gary mostly bragged about his son Ben and shared the heartbreak of losing his first wife. Jennifer shared way too many horror stories of dating over the last 30 years.

It was while watching an OU football game at Louie's on the lake, they both began to realize they were more than just friends. That after all these years, there could be something special between them.

Over the next several months, they fell in love. Gary knew he wanted to marry Jennifer — so he took her back to where it all began, the class room where they first met and got down on one knee.

Jennifer remembers the moment she fell in love with Gary. It was the first time there was a tornado alert. Jennifer saw how he was so prepared and did everything to make sure she and Ben were safe and protected. Jennifer knew he would take care of them for the rest of their lives. Just as important, maybe even more important than a tornado, Jennifer loves that Gary holds her purse when she rifles through clothes at the mall, that he opens the door for her, and when it rains, he gets the car and picks her up so she doesn’t have to get wet. She fell in love with the protector and the gentleman.

Gary remembers there was no defining moment when he fell in love, but his overwhelming feelings for Jennifer wouldn’t subside and could only be one thing. He loved this woman and wanted to live the rest of his life with her.

They’re perfect for each other. They make each other laugh and love their deep discussions. Best of all, they can 100% be themselves. They’re silly with each other and that includes Gary’s chicken dance (he has promised to perform it at the reception). He loves to cook and even likes cleaning up. Jennifer enjoys his great culinary skills and tries to help him clean up, but Gary likes to do it himself. Reluctantly, Jennifer agrees. 🤭

If you asked Jennifer where she sees them 30 years from now - she’ll be 82, Gary only 81 - they’ll be on a beach in Florida with a nice cocktail in hand, making each other laugh. Gary hopes the same, and that they would be active as possible, still traveling and being a loving and connected couple.

Gary loves many things about Jennifer and it’s tough to narrow it down to a few. He loves that she’s genuine, kind, fun, loving, her inner strength, and her desire to be a really good wife for him. That’s coupled with the fact that he would love to be a great husband for her and all that entails.

The thing Jennifer loves most about Gary is how he takes care of the people he loves. She feels safe, at peace, and content. The only thing she’d change about their love story is she wishes it had started 30 years ago, but she also knows their journey is part of the legacy to their love. God was waiting for the perfect timing. Jennifer believes she was destined to wait for this man, this moment, and this most wonderful blessing.

Gary would like their legacy to be one of love, support, and dedication.

As with all relationships, things are never perfect. There’s always growth and sacrifice. There’s one big issue that needed to be settled before their relationship could become serious. It was very important to Jennifer. Gary didn’t see the issue the same way, but he knew Jennifer was very concerned and needed answers.

Was Gary really a dedicated, no-nonsense Sooner fan? He was. Did he like sports? He did. Gary would have been okay with any team Jennifer liked, but she had a very different answer how it would affect their relationship: “It would not work.”

But the real test was to come.

What would happen when Gary met her father? Jennifer was nervous. She knew her dad could be tough. Gary passed with flying colors and pretty soon they were talking about hunting, sports, and Jennifer’s cooking, which they thought was hilarious. The two men who meant the most to Jennifer were a good match.

Jennifer and Gary’s love story continues with every new day. The chapters of their lives will unfold as a romance novel, thriller, mystery, and action adventure. A comedy. A drama. Cliffhangers! Misdirection! Edge of your seat excitement!

It’s a love story.

They wanted to share it with you because you are very special to them and are so thankful to have you in their lives.

They ask you to pray for them as they write the story of their lives.