Lance and Gabby’s story began on the very first day of college during “Frogs First,” TCU’s freshman orientation. Among hundreds of students, they were placed in the same small group of five. While sharing their life stories, they quickly discovered they had much in common. Both were only children (a dangerous combination, as others often say), shared similar family backgrounds, and were on the pre-med track within the same scholarship cohort.

From that day on, they became fast friends, studying together for chemistry and biology (though “studying” often became more of a social occasion than an academic one). In truth, each had their own ulterior motives: Gabby thought she was being charitable by tutoring him, while Lance often acted more confused than he really was just to spend extra time with her.

A few weeks later, both had unknowingly signed up for the same freshman church retreat and, out of fifteen small groups, ended up together once more. Now getting the hint that God was setting something up, Lance decided it was time to make a move—a subtle one, to begin with. His romantic gesture? Taking Gabby to get a flu shot. Afterward, he took her to dinner and to watch the sunset from the TCU parking deck—an unacknowledged first date that left both sides excited yet confused.

Things were soon cleared up and became official when Lance texted Gabby to ask her out. What she didn’t know was that an entire fraternity pledge class was huddled around his phone during a TCU game watch party, the game paused mid-play for a group prayer led by groomsman Jeremiah for a positive response from Gabby. Luckily for all involved, both God and Gabby said yes.

This date took place at Cane Rosso (now providing food for their wedding!) and they spent the whole dinner nervous, giddy, and surprised that the other person, too had been romantically interested for far longer than previously thought. The nights working in the freshman study rooms until midnight seemed to make a lot more sense, now.

A couple weeks later, on a backpacking trip through the Ozark Mountains that became the first of many adventures together, Lance asked Gabby to be his girlfriend. Not long after, Lance planned to tell Gabby he loved her under what stars were visible in the Fort Worth sky following a date. This romantic plan slipping his mind, Lance accidentally told Gabby he loved her while dropping her off to pick up his friends. Hoping she didn't hear, Lance turned the music up and simply stared ahead. Gabby turned around in disbelief, wondering if she had imagined the whole thing. Her bridesmaids, Avery Jett and Kiersten Weiler, were quick to offer their expert emotional support by assuring Gabby she was absolutely delusional and must have dreamt the entire thing (because of course that’s what friends are for). Thankfully, Lance eventually returned to confirm that, yes, he had said it, and yes, he meant it.

Since then, their story has unfolded through countless shared adventures: backpacking trips across Arkansas, Big Bend, New Mexico, and Colorado; studying abroad in Europe; endless hours studying for classes and the MCAT; co-parenting their beloved foster cat, Monster; fishing trips, football tailgates, and family visits.

One of the greatest adventures, ironically, was their engagement trip. Gabby loving Pacific Northwest beaches and national parks, Lance thought Olympic National Park would be the perfect destination. Checking the weather daily, Lance was wary but trusted all would work out. Surprising Gabby over spring break, they flew to Seattle and made the drive to the beach—only for the view to be fully covered in clouds. As they began the hike, cold winds and rain began to batter them. Deciding to set up camp, winds reached 40mph and a deluge of rain started. In addition to difficulty setting up the tent in these conditions, the bear canister with food was locked tight. With cold, wet hands, Lance struggled to open it for the better half of an hour, before finally retrieving dinner. The new problem? The stove wouldn't start in the wind. The only dry place? The nearby wooden latrine. So Lance cooked a romantic dehydrated meal in this sub-sanitary environment while Gabby's clothes continued to take on more water. "How's the weather in Utah this time of year," Gabby asked. Lance was distraught by the start to the trip and feared a complete failure on his end. The next day turned out much better, thankfully. While the rain continued, it abated significantly and Gabby's clothes dried slowly. Still, the clouds posed a barrier to photography of any kind. Lance anxiously awaited the sun, and for a window of 20 minutes, God lifted the clouds. Under a guise of "taking some pictures together," he asked Gabby if she would spend the rest of her life with him. Despite the bitter cold she endured the day before, she agreed.

Gabby and Lance have made incredible memories like this one on countless adventures. The best part of their story, though, is that it’s been shared alongside all of you. Thank you for being part of their lives and for helping shape them into the people they are today. They cannot wait to celebrate this next chapter together, with you, on their special day.