You could say our story began long before our first date — in a school hallway, actually — with an invisible string quietly tying our lives together long before we even met.

As a teacher, I never expected my love story to involve my principal…but in the best way possible, it did. Jamie, my wonderful principal, has known me since I was in the 5th grade. Back then, my dad had just started as the principal at the school I now proudly teach at. Years later, Jamie took over the middle school, and our connection only grew stronger. So when she reached out to say she had someone she thought I might like to meet, I trusted her right away.

That someone was Garrett. Jamie had recently run into him at a neighborhood pickleball tournament — his parents live just a few doors down from her. Watching him play alongside his dad and her husband, something clicked in Jamie’s mind. She offered to pass along my number if I was open to it, and I said yes.

Garrett reached out to me, and we set up our first date at The Empty Glass, a cozy wine bar in Tomball. Conversation flowed effortlessly, and it felt like I had known him for a long time. After a few more wonderful dates, we made it official and our love story blossomed from there.

Our first trip together was last summer to Playa Mujeres, Mexico, and it quickly became an adventure neither of us will forget — thanks to an unexpected guest: Hurricane Beryl. While it wasn’t exactly the tropical escape we had imagined, it turned into a bonding experience we’ll always laugh about. Luckily, our return to travel one year later was smoother — and unforgettable for all the right reasons.

During a road trip through the Northeast this summer, we made our first stop in Martha’s Vineyard. After a beautiful day exploring, we walked to the Edgartown Lighthouse before dinner. It was there, that Garrett asked me to marry him.

Now, we can’t wait to take the next step — saying “I do,” surrounded by the people who mean the most to us. We are so excited to celebrate with you!