Just over 10 years ago, we made our first trip to the Arizona National Livestock Show, where a cute blonde boy in a pink shirt from California beat me in showmanship. That same cute blonde boy and Jack became friends when they both made the grand drive that year.

Fast forward a year, and we made another trip to Arizona. This year, that cute blonde boy and I didn’t fare so well in showmanship, but he did start flirting with me while we stood in line. Then, (as all good 21st-century relationships begin) he followed me on Instagram and DM’d me asking for my number. The rest is history.

That cute blonde kid became my best friend from over 1,000 miles away. We talked almost every day. Our senior year in high school, he casually told me he was going to marry me. At the time, we weren’t even dating, and we still lived on opposite sides of the country. Somehow, though, I knew he was right.

Our freshman year, after he moved to Oklahoma, we decided 7 hours was much better than 24 and started to date long-distance. Those three years were filled with long road trips, airport pick-ups, Taco Bell dates, late-night phone calls, and lots of livestock shows. Those three years were hard, but so worth it.

Since moving to Stillwater, we’ve been able to spend much more time together, and it’s been the best year yet. We’ve traveled across the country to shows and sales together, spent lots of time in the barn with baby goats, and gone on a lot more Chico’s dates than Taco Bell dates.

This chapter has been so much fun, but I have no doubt the next one will be the best yet. I cannot wait to marry my best friend. Forever with Garrett and Cash sounds perfect to me💓

R&G

Wedding Day

Reception