Born in Lakeland, Florida, Kim and Lance met in the first grade. Their childhood friendship blossomed over twelve years of school; they literally grew up together. High school graduation separated them on to their individual journeys: college, careers away from Lakeland, marriage; literally seeing the world. Over the next 35 years, they individually experienced life's greatest joys and it's saddest lows.

It was to be sadness which would bring them together again.

In 2014, Lance and Kim each found themselves alone and seeking life's past joy. Fortunately, providence would intervene to bring them together again.

Lance had decided to move back to Lakeland from Houston; Kim had recently just returned there from Virginia. During a holiday visit, and while testing the housing market, Lance stumbled across Kim's mortgage flyer on a kitchen countertop. "I know her," he exclaimed! With a bit of minor stalking through Facebook, Lance found Kim and invited her to dinner during his next visit - two months later.

It was like they had just seen each other the day before. Reconnected after 35 years, Lance and Kim quickly came to rediscover life's old joys together – the same kind of joy you know when returning to the comfort of home after a long time away.

Whether traveling, fishing, beaching or cheering on the Gators, Kim and Lance could be found together. Their lifetime friendship rapidly matured into love and with that a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, as man and wife.

Their wedding date was 50 years – almost to the day – since Lance and Kim started their life journeys together.

And you are invited to join them in the celebration of the 55th anniversary of their story.