Our first date was very unexpected for both of us. We met for brunch on a Sunday morning. Both of us expected to be home and back to Sunday errands and chores within a couple of hours. 8pm that same night found us sitting on a park bench trying to keep up with the ice cream cones that were dripping down our arm. Neither of us wanted the date to end and we couldn't stop talking, laughing, and talking some more. We both felt there was something different going on, however, neither of us were brave enough to voice those feeling out loud.

We celebrated John's birthday a couple of weeks later and by then we both recognized that we were acting like a couple of teenagers. We hated to be away from each other, spent hours on the phone when we were, and lived for each date we had. Tammy had surgery in early June and was going to be non-weight bearing for a couple of weeks. John (being the ever gentlemen), agreed to stay with her for the 1st few nights following surgery. Let's just say, he never left. At first, we made excuses to one another; Tammy was still a little too unstable yet, John wanted to wait until Tammy showered the first time, Tammy had her first follow up appointment the next day and would need a ride, John had to be in Miami the next day and Tammy's house was a closer commute. I know, we were cute, just like teenagers, right? Finally, we admitted that neither of us wanted him to leave. Tammy's house became home, and John's condo became our satellite office. And so, it began....

July brought Tammy's birthday which was celebrated by a visit to her hometown and the introduction of John to Tammy's longtime best friend. With Lisa's approval :), and a wonderful weekend celebrated we both knew we were goners. September brought us here, to John's hometown. The long weekend was perfect. Tammy was introduced to John's circle of friends including Dawnald, who Tammy finally realized was actually Dawn, John's best friend. Sometimes she is just a little slow. We were both back in the Midwest, and while we both swore we would never leave Florida, something magical happened and Tammy realized that not only was she was in love with John, but also the lake shores of Muskegon. She was ready for a new start, and she wanted it with John and in Michigan. Of course, John could deny her nothing. One look at the sparkle in her eye and the smile on her face and he was all in. I know, get a room right?

So now we had a loosely laid game plan. We would start exploring business opportunities, start looking at renting vs. buying right away, and maybe in 8-12 months we would be ready to make the move. Perfect plan, right? No, that is apparently not how we do things. Just for giggles, Tammy started looking at properties for sale and stumbled onto this house that checked off all of their boxes. It was in their price range, had the land they wanted, and oh yes, it was right around the corner from the infamous Dawnold. The only challenge of course was they were not ready to move, and maintaining two let alone three homes was not realistic. So again, just for giggles, Tammy started looking at job opportunities within her field. She happened to find a position she was very interested in but considered it a long shot. She applied, was called for an interview, and then a second interview. Oh wow, was that house still available? Yes, it was. Could they really buy a house sight unseen? Well maybe, if some trusted friends would go look at it for them.....

So obviously you know the end of the story because we are now planning a wedding. Tammy got the job; John's company begged him to stay and worked out an arrangement with him where he would travel part time and work from home the other part. We bought the house, and six weeks after we left Michigan following our holiday weekend, we returned as residents.

What you don't know is that through this whole time, marriage was never discussed. Or shall I say, if it was discussed it was in the context of "we never plan on doing that again." John will tell you that he had known for quite a while that we would be married someday, he was only giving Tammy time to understand that on this issue he would win :) . Tammy will tell you that is wasn't really until the moment that she opened that box on Christmas morning that she knew for certain that she wanted to say yes, that she needed that symbol of their love just as much as he did. They both wanted the world to know that sometimes it might take 55 years to find them, but your true love, your perfect match is out there. Just like in fairy tales or trashy romance novels, you do know when you have found them, nothing has ever felt so right even when it makes no sense. Some would say we are crazy, we just say we are in love. And yes, we will get a room!

We can't wait for you to join us for an evening full of food, drinks, music, and all kinds of fun! Please RSVP so we know you are coming!!!!