Our Story

Sometimes, life brings two people together in ways that feel like they’ve known each other forever — even if their journey has only just begun. That’s exactly how it feels for Carl and I.

Our story starts at our first date, at a location that Carl and Claire call the “Anthem House.” Nervous but hopeful, I showed up with red roses, a bottle of Barefoot Pinot Grigio, and some of my favorite Saiwok Fried Rice. What could have been a jittery first meeting quickly turned into a beautiful connection. We found out that our moms even shared the same name, both of us are Catholic, and we have the same number of siblings in our immediate families. It was as if we were discovering a mirror version of ourselves — all the little details lining up perfectly.

From that very first night, it felt like we’d known each other much longer than we actually had. The kind of connection that is impossible to explain but undeniable when it’s there. Being with Carl felt right, natural, and something that simply made sense. I remember feeling that maybe, just maybe, this was something rare. I probably knew it on our first date. But by our third, I knew for sure — she accepted my silliness and always encouraged me to be my true, authentic self. No pretenses, no acts — just the real deal.

Over time, we’ve built so many beautiful memories together — moments that define us. I was there to cheer on Carl at her graduation from the University of Arkansas, and in November of 2024, we celebrated our engagement with family and friends in a party that felt like the start of a lifetime of joy. We also shared incredible adventures, like traveling to Napa Valley with the Gallo team, soaking in the beauty and making memories that still make us smile. And of course, the countless small, everyday moments — the quiet talks, the laughter, the shared dreams — those are the heartbeats of our relationship.

When it came time to take the next step, I knew I wanted to make it unforgettable. On November 9th of last year, with the help of Claire and a lot of careful planning, I pulled off a proposal that brought together all our closest family and friends in one secret celebration. It was perfect — the joy, the surprises, and yes, even a midnight McDonald’s order to keep the party going for the night owls. Every detail reflected how much we care and the deep love that binds us.

Now, as we prepare to say “I do,” what excites us most is the life ahead. We’re ready to build a new family together — one filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. Marriage for us isn’t just a promise; it’s the next chapter in a story that already feels like it was written for us both from the start.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to celebrate this day with you and continue writing our story — together, forever.