Chapter 1: Pre-Tayler & Brian Era

To get this lifelong party started, I must first take you back to 2016 in Houston, Texas. It t'was a cold December day (for Texas). A group of my co-workers were hosting their annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, and I was excited to go. Dedicated to the cause, I wrapped my Secret Santa gift, made Christmas-colored champagne jell-o shots, put on my Christmas elf dress/gear (not sweater), and headed to the party around 10:00 PM. When I arrived, everyone was hanging out, listening to music, and standing around a tv screen that displayed a picture of a fake crackling fireplace. Approximately 30 minutes later, a man wearing the most dashing Christmas sweater walked in. I mean...this guy truly outdid himself...his sweater was perfectly stitched with an impeccable gingerbread man holding a Star Wars light saber. Who is this Christmas sweater king, you might ask? Brian. Daniel. Snodgrass. In front of the majestic fake fireplace, Brian and I had our first real convo. He wished that he had dressed up as an elf like me (I haven't confirmed this, but I'm sure it's true). Eventually the party moved to the midtown bars, our big group got split up, and Brian and I barely spoke the rest of the night.

Chapter 2: Something New on New Year's Eve

So...I think we can all agree that Brian has a great smile and a great taste in Christmas sweaters. Therefore, I did what any sane girl would do and reached out to him a few days after the party "to see how the rest of his night went." Since we didn't exchange numbers the night of the party, yes...I sLiD iNtO BrIaN's DMs (slow-mo voice + eyeroll). I'm glad I did too! My impromptu facebook message led to a great recap of the night and Brian producing a picture that he had taken of me while standing in front of the fake fireplace.

In the few weeks leading up to NYE 2017, Brian and I exchanged numbers and started hanging out more in the same circle of friends. He also bought me a mimosa slushy on a few occasions. As NYE neared, I invited Brian to ring in the new year with me and some of my friends from college. I thought he would bail but to my surprise he came through and joined us! We celebrated the new year at Rooftop Bar in Houston, Texas. It was so much fun! I seriously wish I could re-live that New Years. Brian was so easy going and instantly made friends with my friends as if he had known them forever (I've learned that he could literally be friends with a rock lol - this isn't a geology joke for those of you who know what I'm talking about). Anyways, when the clock struck midnight, we agreed that New Year's traditions must be followed!

Chapter 3: I Love You

After NYE, we became inseparable. The next day, Brian asked if I wanted to go on our first "official" date. I said, no.....(just kidding). I said yes, and we went to the theater to see the movie Manchester by the Sea. When Brian ordered popcorn and asked for no butter that raised some red flags. I guess it was a forgivable offense because he quickly became my very best friend. We still order separate popcorns though (Brian, I love you, but I draw the line when it comes to my buttery popcorn).

Over the next few months, Brian and I enjoyed getting to know each other. We continued to hang out together and with our mutual friends. We started having movie nights, game nights, and pizza nights! Brian supported my addiction to chicken and waffles (still does). We laughed A LOT. We met each other's families. We fell in love.

THE REST IS HISTORY.

Photos