Connect How did your love story begin?

Colin and I both attended the University of Missouri. We met one night at a mutual friends house when I brought my dog Mac with me. Mac immediately sprinted inside. Colin, thinking Mac was his dog Charlie, scooped him right up. The only problem? Mac quickly let out a yelp—making it very clear he had been mistaken for the wrong pup. Turns out, Mac and Charlie look nearly identical, and that little mix-up sparked our first conversation… centered around our shared love for our “boys”.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

Two months into dating, we took a spontaneous trip to Maui, where Colin’s aunt lived. We spent two weeks hiking mount Haleakala, driving to different beaches and waterfalls. We also spent one day on a sailboat, swimming with the whales. This was by far our favorite trip because we had an opportunity to experience such bliss so early on in our relationship. We still think back to the trip to this day :).

What would you do with $20,000?

As of this very moment, we are in the process of closing on our first home. It’s been a surreal and crazy ride to get here, but we’re finally establishing some roots in Jacksonville, FL and look forward to calling this place our home. We’re also getting married on November 1st 2026 in St. Augustine, FL. We would love to do something for Colin’s parents as they helped so much and are celebrating 38 yrs of marriage!!