It all started when…

Rene and I were introduced to one another through a mutual friend at the time back in 2016. At that time in our lives, we were both working for the same agency - for an entire year - and had never met or heard of each other until that day. After that day, we suddenly had important and urgent business matters that required the other's assistance on almost a daily basis (still unsure how we were able to get anything accomplished in the year prior). We were each other's most valuable co-worker.

the love story

I believe God designed Rene and I to be with one another. I'm sure that sounds cliché and every person says, thinks, feels, and believes that leading up to their wedding. I do believe Rene and my love story is unique and not something you'd hear everyday. It's a long story to tell over a cup of coffee one day and not really something I can easily explain here. I will say despite our own best efforts, Jesus has truly redeemed, healed, and transformed our hearts and our relationship. By His grace, Rene and I are in the best place we've ever been throughout our 5 years together, and it truly just keeps getting better.

the proposal

On November 21, 2020, Rene took me out to dinner at the Cotton Court in downtown Lubbock. We ate dinner inside, and afterward, Rene told me we should walk around outside to look at the set up. We walked down the sidewalk, and a little ways down the sidewalk, I saw a path to my left of tea light candles. In the middle of the path, I saw our daughter, Cameron, carrying a bouquet of flowers and walking towards me. I looked toward Cameron and the tea lights and saw the path of candles led to marquee lights that said "MARRY ME." I turned to Rene (in complete shock) and he dropped to one knee! Once he stood up, there was a lot of applause - partially from people eating outside, but mainly from our family and friends. They had known for weeks and were ready to celebrate with us!

what is the most anticipated moment of your wedding day?

I'm mostly looking forward to Rene and I reading our vows to each other.

wedding style/theme

I've been asked to describe my theme all year, and I can't seem to really put it into words. I'm aiming for the feeling you get when you think about what it would be like to spend a cozy, romantic, intimate, whimsical fall evening with family, friends, and the love of your life surrounded by pumpkins, string lights, hot cocoa/coffee, and cupcakes.

why did you choose twin lakes?

I looked at several venues in and around Lubbock, but I did not find another venue (or venue owner) that had complete transparency, a full closet of decorations, and an absolutely beautiful AND unique ceremony setting. Twin Lakes was our first choice based on those things. However, Jane was definitely what sealed the deal for us! After meeting Jane, I felt very much at ease and trusted that she not only knew what she was doing, but she cared about what she was doing. I realized quickly that this was something she enjoyed doing, and although Twin Lakes is her business, my wedding wasn't just a business deal for her.

advice for future couples

The best piece of advice I was given when I began the planning process was this: the ceremony, the reception, and all of the decorations are just extra things. They're details, and they are not really necessary to be married. What matters and what is actually needed are the two of you and the love you have for one another. Don't stress out over every single detail and forget about WHY you're planning a wedding. It's not about impressing your guests but rather becoming one with the person you've chosen to love and spend the rest of your life with. Everything else is just a detail, and WHEN (not if) one of those details gets messed up, just remember you're still going to be just as married the next day. Even if the details change here and there (by choice or misfortune), you still get to marry your person, and that's the most important thing.