How it all began
Our story started in college, where we met as friends long before we started dating. Looking back, maybe the signs were there all along. Jessica was drawn to how easy Kevin was to be around—he shared her passion for community service, played tennis and golf just like her dad, and treated everyone with kindness. But if we're being honest, what really stole her heart was that he was Filipino and a drummer (which certainly didn't hurt his chances).
Kevin's first impression of Jessica was that she had a cool, casual vibe. She was outgoing, athletic, and always seemed to know everyone. As we met up for lunches at the student center and spent more time together, we realized we had a lot in common.
What began as a friendship grew over the years as we spent more and more time together. We took classes and graduated together, interned and worked at the same company, attended countless sporting events, played sports together, hiked with friends, volunteered in our community, watched musicals, went to concerts, played video games and board games, and traveled whenever we could.
As Kevin got to know Jessica better, he discovered how many core values they shared, especially kindness, service, and caring for others. He admires her passion for anything she sets her mind to, her ability to lead, her drive for organization and efficiency, and the way she shows her love through acts of service.
One of Jessica's favorite things about Kevin is that everyone loves him. Whether you've known him for ten years or ten minutes, he's the kind of person who makes you feel heard. He's kind, caring, funny, an incredible listener, and always willing to go along with Jessica's latest idea—no matter how ambitious, spontaneous, or slightly dangerous it may be.
Need proof? One afternoon, Jessica spotted a large alligator snapping turtle trying to cross a road. Most people would have kept driving. Instead, with the help of a few kind strangers, we stopped traffic, carefully moved the turtle onto a tarp, and carried it to a nearby creek where it could safely continue on its way. Jessica simply couldn't leave it there. If there's a living thing that needs help, she's going to do everything she can for it, and Kevin will help.
What Jessica admires most about Kevin is watching him chase his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. It took years before the timing felt right, but from the moment the wheels left the ground on his first flight, he was hooked. Since then, he's poured his heart into becoming not only a skilled pilot but an exceptional flight instructor, always going above and beyond for his students. Even after a long or challenging day, he can't wait to get back in the air. His genuine love for flying, combined with his gift for connecting with people, has helped him build an incredible community of pilots who encourage and support one another. Watching him take a leap into a completely new career has been inspiring, and Jessica has never seen him work so hard or love what he does so much.
After ten years together, Jessica finally decided it was time to stop dodging Kevin's hints about ring shopping. In true Jessica fashion, she turned the tables and proposed to Kevin on Maui, under a beautiful tree not far from where we'll be celebrating our wedding. Later on that same trip, we picked out engagement rings together in Lahaina, before the devastating fire. Those rings have become even more meaningful over time, making Maui feel like the perfect place to begin the next chapter of our story.
Of course, no version of our story would be complete without Fergus. Back in college, Kevin fell in love with a dog named Fergus while volunteering at a shelter. At the time, we weren't ready for a dog, and Fergus was adopted. But Kevin never forgot him.
Fast forward three years. Jessica and Kevin had moved in together in Atlanta, and while we weren't actively looking for a dog, Kevin happened to spot Fergus on the same shelter's adoption page. The same Fergus! Just a little older and a couple pounds heavier. Naturally, we rushed to adopt him before we lost the opportunity again. You can call it fate. We certainly do. Since joining our family, Fergus has brought us endless joy, love, cuddles, and daily reminders that sometimes the things meant for you find their way back when the timing is right.
From college friends to life partners, from volunteering together to traveling the world, from Maui proposals to miracle dog reunions, we've built a life full of adventures, love, and a lot of laughter. We can't wait to celebrate the next chapter with all of you.
