A (Rainy) Modern Beachside Wedding in San Clemente 

Tell us about the time the proposal was spoiled (a bit). 

Our love story began in St. Louis, Missouri, just three days after Taylor moved from Arizona in June 2019. Excited for a fresh start, Taylor started swiping on Bumble almost immediately after landing. Little did she know, a few days later, she’d be on her last first date. Three years later, Taylor got down on one knee in front of the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, and I said yes to forever. The surprise was spoiled a bit when I caught her practicing the proposal in the mirror as we headed out the door, but it was still the most special moment of my life.

But, it’s not all been roses. What are some of the challenges you’ve gone through together?

While our five years together have been filled with adventure, laughter, and tears of joy, they’ve also been marked by heartache, sadness, and loss. Despite the challenges, our love has remained strong.

But our love story didn’t start when we met – it started long before. I was raised in a small Midwest town, the kind you’d only find if you were passing through. A place where Southern Baptist churches lined the corners, and not a stoplight could be found in the whole county. 

A place where a relationship like ours seemed unimaginable. Where there was no sign of the kind of love we shared in books, songs, or among neighbors. I remember bringing her home for the first time, nervously letting go of each other’s hand whenever someone’s gaze lingered a little too long. 

Acceptance came slowly from some family and friends, and from others, not at all.

But our fear of not being accepted was nothing compared to our fear of not being together. Year after year, we returned to that small town, each visit making us a little braver – holding hands longer, living a little prouder.

Tell us about your wedding day. 

This past April, we married in San Clemente, California, surrounded by friends and family. Rain poured down, and the wind shattered our champagne tower, but ironically, we never felt more complete. As we raised two of the surviving champagne glasses and toasted to our love, we looked around at our loved ones – soaked from the rain, huddled together for warmth, and smiling through it all. In that moment, every hard conversation, every courageous step, and every lesson learned as a couple felt worth it.

Our wedding was everything we could have dreamed of. We danced all night long, surrounded by our favorite people. We don’t take for granted how fortunate we are to celebrate our love so openly.

We wanted to share our story in hopes of inspiring others in our community who are searching for love and acceptance. Every love story begins with a single act of bravery. So dare to be yourself, and never lose hope that one day, someone might look at you and say, “I get it now.”