Like all great love stories, ours began with a little bit of fate, a questionable outfit choice, and some minor (but hilarious) deception.

It all started with their mutual friends who took it upon themselves to play matchmakers. After hearing all of Paige’s very specific “must-haves” and “absolutely-nots” for a guy, their mutual friend had a lightbulb moment. And just like that, a plan was set in motion—Paige was getting invited to Delta Tau Delta’s Mardi Gras social at The Buzz (now known as Fifth’s).

When Paige arrived at the social, she was introduced to Wesley, a charming, kind-eyed gentleman…wearing what could only be described as a well-loved (and possibly ancient) Mardi Gras float rider costume (a true Goodwill treasure). Paige, however, saw past the fabric and into the heart of the man who wore it. Wesley greeted her with a proper handshake (yes, really), introduced himself, and offered to buy her a drink. An impressively smooth move for a 20-year-old who, as Paige later learned, was technically not of legal drinking age. To be fair, the bartender didn't question the ID, so neither did she. Fast forward six months, and cue the "Wait…how old are you?!" moment. From that night on, something just clicked.

Since that night, they've conquered milestone after milestone together. They graduated from college hand in hand in December 2020. Immediately after, Wesley started his first "big boy" job. In August 2022, Paige got accepted into OT school and moved to Austin, TX, for her studies. The long distance? No match for them. Wesley made monthly trips to see her. They loved exploring the city and discovering new restaurants (and developing an undeniable Whataburger addiction). During this time, they also found a mutual love for Fredericksburg wineries—and a deep, slightly excessive devotion to West End Pizza Co. Wesley even tried to bring leftovers home on the plane... only to be stopped by TSA, who clearly didn't understand that some pizza is simply too good to leave behind.

Through it all, their love has never wavered. Wesley describes Paige as the most selfless, caring person he’s ever known and someone who gives without ever expecting anything in return. He says he’s made it his life’s mission to make her as happy as she makes everyone else. Paige describes Wesley as her safe place, her calm in the storm, her biggest cheerleader, and the love she never knew she needed. She says to be loved by Wesley is to know a love so rare and pure; steady, selfless, and endlessly kind. Loving Wesley is her life’s greatest joy, and being loved by him is her life’s greatest honor.

Simply put, they are each other’s best friend, greatest adventure, and forever favorite person!

And now, after years of laughter, love, and one very fateful Mardi Gras night, they can’t wait to say I do—with (hopefully) much better outfits this time around!