Story by FD Sorrel... :)

This fantastic story began years ago, but none of the actors knew the script. We were both in a wedding together in 2018 but had not caught the eye of the other. Years came and went, and our lives still never crossed although our close friends (the 2018 bride and groom) were such a valued and logical connection point. What turned out to be a pivotal moment in our lives, was when that very same couple attended the World Championship BBQ Cookoff for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo with Miss Kristin Wall. Everyone who has the pleasure of knowing Kristin also knows that she is extraordinarily fond of the Houston Rodeo and all things related - “Rodeo Queen”, if you will. Fortuitously, Chris Holder (groom matchmaker) then requested I join he and his wife, Kelly, in the cookoff. I had been performing cookoff committee duties all day and was not in the cleanest or most admirable state, nor did I have any expectations while walking over to join the group, but in retrospect, it became the keystone moment for the reason of this celebration. Again, time passed, and it was on our first date at the Rainbow Lodge, a lifelong favorite of mine, when I realized that this was the most remarkable woman I have ever met. She hunts, exudes charm and class, enjoys great food (sometimes even dairy), loves to travel, has the most positive and encouraging attitude, and the biggest, most beautiful smile. After several hours of banter and learning more about each other, it was apparent that something special had begun. It was perhaps just as memorable for the wait staff, as the waiter brought our car keys to the table seeing that the valets left for the night. We quickly began a whirlwind of travel and creating memories with one another and introducing Kristin to the family ranch. Every weekend we could be found in either the Texas Hill Country, the ranch, or in Hobby Airport. More than a dozen flights, in all cardinal directions, across our brief courtship confirmed that I had found my lifelong travel partner. Trips to the Hill Country always included hiking the hills and a visit to Peggy’s on the Green in Boerne, where Kristin will attest you can find an exceptional steak. This was also where I schemed to be an ideal place to ask her hand in marriage this last December. Minimally planned but well executed (thanks to the hostess) she succumbed and obviously we know her response. We might be a little “late to the game”, and I’ve never been accused of being in a hurry (aside from driving), but without question our meeting was the timing that God intended. It is a perfect example of how our Creator has designs for us that are exactly what we desire as long as we don’t interject our own fallible beliefs. I am immensely thankful that I was patient enough to find someone like Kristin and excited to start a life with this most amazing woman. We look forward to creating countless memories with every one of you and are thankful for those who have witnessed our story thus far - let the celebrations begin!