September 5, 2021
Photos by Nathan Forbes
How We Met: My roommate sent a text several weeks prior to the Auburn vs. Ole Miss game in 2017 asking if we minded if a few of her friends stayed in our apartment while they were in town experiencing their first SEC football game. I was quite surprised when four cadets from the United States Air Force Academy entered our front door. All weekend, Cole and I found ourselves sitting next to each other at lunch or dinner. Cole is very shy, so I enjoyed picking on him to open up and speak to me. He ultimately felt comfortable enough to begin some playful banter (and honestly, flirting!) with me, but just as quickly as the weekend started, it came to a close. Cole and I spent the next two and a half years texting and Facetiming. I was surprised when he invited me to fly out to Colorado to be his date to the Air Force Academy’s ring dance, and when I was finally reunited with Cole, the rest was history!
Favorite Details: Throughout our long-distance relationship when I was living in New York, my roommate Melinda May, a singer/songwriter, always commented on the special connection that Cole and I shared. One night, she shared a song that she had written about Cole and me, “Anywhere, Everywhere.” The song was inspired by a conversation that Melinda and I had where I shared with her that living my dream in New York City was special, but I always had the feeling that something was incomplete when Cole wasn’t there. The song mentions that a girl would be fine “spending every Christmas in North Dakota,” which is pure irony since Cole and I are now living in North Dakota. Before our ceremony started, I asked Melinda if she would perform it, and it was one of the most special moments.
Venue: TJ Tower Wedding Planner: Dana Baswell, Southern Styled Events Florist: Flowers by the Heart Cake: Magic Muffins Videographer: Ninety-Three Creative Invitations: InPrint4U Wedding Dress: Diane’s Formal Affair Bridesmaid Dresses: Dear Cleo Hair & Makeup: Lisa Nguyen Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Mr. Burch Formal Wear Music: DJ Sillz Transportation: Rick Burton Photo Booth: Let’s Booth It
