Our story began nearly 24 years ago, when I was just two years old and he was three. His godmother, who was a close friend of my mom, was getting married and asked us to be in the wedding. I threw those flowers on the floor, and he carried the ring. We do not remember much from that day, but one thing stands out: we were dancing and running across the floor, carefree and full of joy. We also remembered each other’s names. We like to think that day left a mark on both our hearts.
After that, we did not see each other again for over ten years. On my first day of high school, I was in a classroom when a new boy walked into the room. His name was Briggs, and I noticed his bright blonde hair right away. I recalled the name since it was unique yet also seemed recognizable. That night, I asked my mom, “What was the name of that boy from the wedding? she said to Briggs. I don’t believe this.
The next day, I brought the wedding photo to school. I found him and said, “Hey, I am Brittney. Here is a picture of us from when we were little.” Looking back, that might have seemed strange, but he smiled and said, “I have that same picture hanging at home.”
We became good friends. By the summer before 11th grade, we were spending more time together, and I noticed something special about him. He was kind and had a strong faith in God. Some time later, he asked me to be his girlfriend. I still remember visiting his house for the first time. His mom showed me the same photo on their wall.. I thought, This is the man I want to marry.
We went to different colleges at first, but later Briggs transferred to be closer to me. On Thanksgiving Day in 2013, he proposed. We got married on January 10, 2015. Apart from giving my life to Jesus, marrying him was the best choice I have ever made.
Our first year of marriage was hard. We had a lot to learn about living together, and we chose to wait until we were married to be close in that way. But even through the struggles, we knew our marriage was blessed.
A year after our wedding, I found out I was pregnant. Our second son came soon after, when our first was just nine months old. Parenting has been joyful, hard, and humbling, but we love it. We enjoy ourselves; we love ourselves; we stay together all the time.
Briggs is my best friend. I love being with him more than anyone else. One day, he told me, “I knew I loved you the moment I met you.” This love story is ours, and we know it will last a lifetime.
