After trying the traditional way of dating, we turned to a more modern choice; online dating. We were looking for a friend but found so much more. We instant messaged each other, and then started having phone conversations. We finally met at a house party and sparks ignited. One party turned into a date; one date turned into a lifetime. It wasn’t until we spent a week apart, that we realized how much we meant to each other.

The first year was a whirlwind. Kat was going to school in Denton and C.J. was starting a new job, at NetProtect. Our hang out times were many but split between Suzanne’s house and C.J.’s bachelor pad. The back and forth was rough but we worked through it. Eventually, we found a place of our own and made it our home. Coming home to each other made the long days and hard work worth it.

As happy and hard working as we were, we had suffered many losses. C.J.’s GranGran;, our dear friend and J.D.’s spouse, Jennifer; and Kat’s grandpa, John passed away. Our love for each other, was the guiding light in our darkness. These members of our family will be represented at our wedding through stories, photos and our memories of them.

Over the years our love for each other continues to grow and so has our family. We have two adorable animals. Our first addition is Fancy, a floof full of love and laziness. Our second addition is Ella, a fluff as fierce as she is adorable. These two members will be with us in spirit only on our special day.

We are very excited to share this special day with each and every one of you! We hope you enjoy adding your presence to #OurShortStory.

C.J. had known he loved Kathleen for years, but it was after a bad car accident on a family vacation that he realized he wanted to make sure they spent the rest of their lives together. He planned and looked at rings for a year before in 2017 he found the perfect ring and set his plan in action. Before he could do so, he spoke with and made sure he had the permission of Kathleen's Grandfather. Thankfully he not only said yes but was excited for their future together.

He enlisted the help of Suzanne in planting the idea that he was buying Kathleen a computer for Christmas. Finally Christmas day arrived and tearing into the package she was surprised to find a single sheet of paper with "Turn Around" written on it. Kneeling behind her was C.J. with ring in hand. In front of her family he asked her to marry him and she said yes, their destiny together had been set in stone (specifically emerald).