Fifteen years and four children after our siblings got married, they started teasing about setting us up. More specifically, they told Mags and both of our moms that they thought we had a lot in common and would be good to one another. Joshua had yet to be informed of the scheme. A few hours of chat, a few follow-up Facebook Messenger flirts, and many many long phone conversations later, we found out that Carlyn is always right.

Under the pretense of visiting our respective parents for Easter, we collectively drove 20 hours and met in our hometown for our first date. On this date we ran into three old friends, two family members, and one former teacher. We also met our dog, Maya, for the first time (but that's another story).

After six months of spending way too much time in the RDU and OKC airports, Joshua started his position in NC and we moved into our home in Durham. Now Mags doesn't have to use an alarm (or 8) to wake up, Joshua doesn't eat peanut butter sandwiches for lunch everyday, and Maya has double the walks and treats. We think we're all winning here.

Since (before) our first date we have felt the love and support of our families. It has been an honor to be welcomed into one another's families. And we've each gained a batch of nieces and nephews in the process! Who, by the way, are really confused that we're not married already because a whole pile of them already called us both 'Aunt' and 'Uncle'.

We could never have loved each other so well without having experienced the love of our friends and families. That's why we're so excited to bring our communities together and take a moment to celebrate our future with the people who made us who we are.