Thirteen years ago, I met Kathryn in the front yard of my mom’s house. My first thoughts were as follows: Beautiful, pretty smile, very loud, and very confident. But of course, I had to play it cool. I reluctantly invited her and her friend Kirsty into my backyard where Kate met my mom for the first time, and they gabbed like old birds for hours. Of course, Kate saw a swimming pool and despite the rain and lightning, she jumped right in. I liked that.

After what felt like a lifetime of being in love and spending every moment we could together, Kate was ready to go off to college. Our initial plans were for me to go with her, but going back to school was not in the cards for me. We separated and spent 6 years apart. Although, she received many phone calls from me in those 6 years every time I needed help making her famous chicken enchiladas. I never could lock down that recipe, but she always answered.

In 2020, I went on a trip with my family to Broken Bow, Oklahoma. My older brother, Austin, mentioned Kate was also in Broken Bow. I messaged, and she responded… here we go again.

Before Kate left for college in 2014 I told her I will always love you, and today, in 2025, I am preparing to marry the love of my life. Kate and I hope to be surrounded by every last one of our friends and family on the day we say “I do”, thanks for reading and we hope to see you soon.