Travis and I worked together for nearly two years before we started dating (HR and Engineering/Quality). When he first saw me, he thought, “Whoa! She’s so beautiful.” He often gushed about me to his work friend, Jason, who repeatedly encouraged him to ask me out. But Travis never did.

Instead, he’d randomly pop into my office to share a band he thought I’d like, show off a Goodwill treasure, or drop off a few pieces of his favorite candy (at the time). I had zero clue. Even the time he left eight bags of that candy on my desk! He gave one to our office manager too, so naturally, I assumed it was just a friendly gesture. Little did I know—her bag was actually the decoy!

(Backstory: The day before, he told me Dollar Tree had ten bags of this candy, and he almost bought them all. Being the instigator I am, I said, “Why didn’t you?!” He took that challenge seriously—and he still does, every time.)

Before we officially started dating, we’d often find ourselves lost in conversation in the breakroom. I remember thinking, “Travis, you can’t look at me that way—people are going to think something’s going on.” (Always late to the party—this girl.)

At one point, he even asked me for an electronic copy of the employee handbook. I thought he was gearing up to debate COVID policies. Turns out, he just wanted to check the rules on interoffice dating.

In August 2022, Travis began volunteering with a faith-based organization that supports youth in one of the most at-risk apartment complexes in Jacksonville. A month later, the Director of Operations (Thanks, Dakota!) asked if his company might sponsor a booth at their fall festival. Naturally, Travis made another casual trip to my office—and I ended up signing up to volunteer the next Saturday.

Because of the neighborhood, Travis insisted we drive together. Ever the gentleman, he offered to meet me at work and pick me up. Volunteering was a success—and that night ended with dinner and bowling.

And that, as they say, was the beginning of everything.

Bowling was our very first date, and now it will be part of our very first night as husband and wife at our wedding reception. This story has truly come full circle.

We’ve continued to grow, face challenges, and overcome them—together. Our love has been tested in the fire, and every time, God has brought us back stronger than before.

Since the candy runs and falling in love while volunteering in the most dangerous section of Jacksonville, life together has been full of adventure, growth, and laughter.

These days, we’re usually somewhere on the water with Travis’ boat Bonnie (finally!), cheering on our favorite teams— a few years ago it was nearly every game for an entire season of Jumbo Shrimp baseball, and this fall we’re all in again with Florida State football—or treasure hunting through thrift stores and antique shops. We love camping (even when it’s freezing—looking at you, Jekyll Island), riding bikes over the Intercoastal bridge like champs (not really…that bridge is a BEAST), fishing off the dock, and watching our goldendoodle, Scarlett (25 pounds of pure energy), run free.

We’ve tackled plenty of projects in Elizabeth’s place (our future home)—Travis is the resident handyman, and the official keeper of the plants (Elizabeth forgets to water). We’re always up for Mexican, Thai, or Mediterranean food, and we love collecting cactuses from special places and milestone moments—like the day we got engaged.

Whether we’re cooking dinner side by side or hosting our favorite people, we make a great team. Once a month we teach the 5th grade Sunday School class and are deeply grateful for our church family and community group, which has become an anchor of support and spiritual growth.

Through every season, we’re still each other’s favorite person to pester.