J.C. and Anthony met in Dallas where Anthony moved to attend college. J.C. was attending his sophomore year while Anthony had just graduated. The two were attending different universities, and instead met while working a summer job. They did not immediately hang out but had mutual friends and saw each other around occasionally. A year passed and their paths crossed again when they ran into each other at a store. They exchanged numbers and agreed to call. By that time Anthony was working at a post-production house and J.C. was attending classes and operating his screen-printing business. Both being so busy, it was difficult for either to find time to meet. Lunches were favored, which eventually led to dinners.  Saturdays were spent riding bikes and rollerblading around White Rock lake. Sundays were all about hanging out with friends, eating great dinners, playing cards, and generally having fun. This was a traditional courtship in the making!

Almost a year later the two agreed to make things permanent. There was no equivilent to marriage at the time, but it didn't stop Anthony from proposing regardless. JC's answer was "Yes, and ask me again next year" A year later Anthony popped the question once more. Again the answer was "Yes".

The following year J.C. asked Anthony. His answer was "Yes". And so it went for years to follow - each one taking turns at random times to propose a life-long commitment to one another. One time J.C. popped the question while they attended a friends wedding. Another time it was Anthony's turn during a camping trip. One year it was a pretzel exchange placed on one anothers fingers while having lunch at a pizza place. Year over year the two never lost sight of the meaning of their relationship to one another. It strengthened with life's challenges. The lack of marriage equality, or any legal version that affirms their relationship, merely increased their resolve. Marriage rights slowly became available in other states, but both agreed it would be best to wait until it was recognized in their home state of Texas. That day was an amazing day. Within minutes of the ruling, both received texts and calls from friends and relatives expressing excitement. Their committment to one another has stood the test of time, and weathered life's challenges. It is for this reason we celebrate their nuptials as the two begin their 25th year together.