Who would’ve thought that a door-to-door sales job would bring together a Brooklyn-raised city boy and a horseback-riding Wisconsin girl?

Even though the job itself was far from glamorous, it ended up being one of the best things that ever happened to us. The first day we met, I remember wondering who this well-dressed, New York–accented guy was. Shortly after introducing myself, Jeff’s smart mouth started — claiming he was the best sales guy in the office. Of course, I rolled my eyes, but secretly giggled to myself because of the way he talked.

What started as long days, endless doors, and laughter over changing our business outfits in gas station bathrooms, quickly turned into a connection we couldn’t ignore. From casual nights out to lazy Sundays filled with football, meal prep, and showing Jeff around Arizona (even though he was too scared to get out of the car because of “wild animals”), things seemed pretty great!

And then, someone else came into the mix and changed everything for the better. After months of FaceTime calls and late-night talks, Amaurie finally came to Arizona to live with us. We went from a young couple trying to figure things out to a full-blown family in a one-bedroom apartment, complete with a pull-out couch and a bulldog who thought everything belonged to her.

Of course, there were growing pains, but we never gave up and we never walked away. We learned, we laughed and we grew together into our beautifully blended family — day by day. From early morning school drop-offs to 12 hour basketball days, we made it work and have made endless memories along the way.

Fast forward (about ten years, but who’s counting?), we now have a beautiful son, a teenager who’s beyond thoughtful and kind, 2 bulldogs with our angel bulldog in Heaven and a home that we’ve built out of love. Through all of the ups and the darkest downs, we’ve stayed side by side, never giving up on each other.

From sleeping on the floor to living in our dream home, we’ve walked through every season of life, hand in hand and no matter where we’ve been, we’ve always found our way together.

And now, the next best chapter is here! We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone. surrounded by the people who mean the most to us.

Cheers to Our Forever! See you in Jersey!