Our Love Story
First Date
It all started with a seafood dinner. During our first date, we quickly discovered we share a love for seafood and fine dining. So much so, we often order the exact same thing on the menu for every date night.
Brandon also immediately learned that every meal with Brandi includes a photoshoot for the food. Brandi loves to capture food photos, and over time Brandon adjusted and got used to it…maybe?!
On that initial date, we enjoyed peach Old-Fashioneds, seafood gumbo, and lobster mac and cheese. (We will spare you the photos.)
Navigating Distance
Brandon lived in Maryville, Missouri at the time, which is about 90 minutes away from Kansas City, where Brandi lived.
An hour and a half is likely too short to call a long distance relationship, but when our relationship blossomed we had to make efforts to prioritize how we could spend time together and get to know each other.
Luckily, we met after football season for Brandon. As a college football coach, there are peak months of the year that keep him really busy.
When Brandon wasn’t traveling for recruiting visits, he was in Kansas City pretty much every weekend with Brandi.
Each year when football season started, Brandi split up her time each week to include Maryville and each of the home games.
First Trip Together
We fell in love during a trip to Jamaica. It was our first vacation together and we both still believe it may have been the best vacation we have enjoyed together. We love traveling and often take a few trips together every year.
We find ourselves comparing every destination and resort to that Jamaica trip. It still reigns the champ.
The experience was flawless. We didn’t encounter any travel difficulties and our resort staff was amazingly attentive and nurturing.
The food was amazing, the weather was gorgeous, and we learned how comfortable we are with one another. We are very compatible and make a great team.
Engaged March 2024
Things took a turn in late Feburary 2024, when Brandon accepted a new coaching role in Saginaw, Michigan. Brandon packed up all of his belongings and left Maryville less than 2 weeks after agreeing to the new role.
Brandi helped pack and drove with Brandon to Michigan. After helping Brandon get settled into a temporary apartment, Brandi flew back home to Kansas City.
Two weeks later, Brandi returned to Michigan for a weekend visit. We visited a seafood restaurant in Bay City that overlooks Lake Huron. Brandon arranged for a private room on the top floor of the restaurant.
Immediately after we walked into the room, Brandon got down on one knee and proposed. Brandi said yes and our first meal as an engaged couple was yet another seafood dinner.
Two months later, Brandi left Kansas City to join Brandon in Michigan.
