A Glimpse at Our Love Story.

Always, always, always a bridesmaid. Never a bride. Until now, that is! Darren and I met when I was in college. We had instant chemistry and had a lot in common. Our first date in fall 2004, we both made up an excuse to go shopping for new shoes. I bought a pair of $85 tennis shoes that were half a size too big. Who spends $85 on a pair of shoes when they are a poor college student? Surely, I could have used that money towards food. Oh, the things we do when we're In love! Many years later, Darren told me that he too disliked the shoes he ended up with and only wore them a couple of times. The first movie we saw together was The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise. I think that is when our friends picked up on the fact that there was romance in the air. We dated for the next several months. But being young and immature, led us to going our separate ways.

During that time, I remember telling one of my very good friends that I could wait until I was thirty years old to get married. Well, I guess God took that statement and held me to my word - I will be getting married just nine days before my 30th birthday! In actuality, I believe God was working in my heart, preparing me, letting me wander and fall and picking me back up (wash, rinse & repeat multiple times) until I was ready to REALLY face life's challenges and great blessings with my husband by my side. Darren and I reconnected after many years of being apart. Again, instant chemistry and lots of romance. It was like no time had passed at all. I was nervous because he had left me in tears as a young vulnerable girl so many years prior, but I opened my heart up again and boy, am I glad I did!

Darren and I have been dating for the last several years. We have had our fair share of ups and downs. Remember the wash, rinse & repeat that I referred to? Well, little did I know that God was working in both of our lives and hearts preparing us for the "unknown" through our good times, laughter, love for each other, disappointments, frustration and unmet expectations placed on one another. Through all of this and the Holy Spirit changing our hearts toward one another, we have found the best love for each other that began with His love!

On New Year's Eve 2012, following a Christmas apart from one another and following a pretty serious discussion with one another about commitment and our future - Darren nervously, but proudly asked me to be his wife. Of course, I said yes!! And the rest is history!

I had previously moved to Lubbock, Texas to be closer to my family. It was a difficult decision, but Darren is sacrificing a life he has made in Roanoke, Texas and is moving to Lubbock as well, so that we can stay living closer to my family. I love and adore this man who I will soon be calling my husband!

Soon after, I called my mom and sister who were excited to get started with the wedding planning! What a fun and sometimes stressful journey this has been. More to come, but for now - relish in our love story, that of course I think is my favorite!

Hugs & love,
Tara