Years before our story started, we crossed paths briefly. Two people with an invisible string. Life moved on, and we didn’t see each other again for years. Then one night, at a concert in Cocoa Village surrounded by mutual friends, we found ourselves in the same place at the same time. This time, we both noticed eachother immediately.

Our first date felt effortless. A play at the Cocoa Village Playhouse, dinner afterward, and live music to end the night (as it usually does). Somewhere between the laughter and the quiet moments, we both felt it: this was different. From the very start there was a peace about us. After only two months, we both knew this was forever.

What we admire most about each other runs deep. Rick’s driven sense of direction and constant pursuit of excellence — at work and at home — is steady and inspiring. He loves deeply and protects his family fiercely. And as Rick often says, When I’m with Peyton, I find a sense of completeness and happiness. Your kindness, compassion, and unwavering love mean more to me than I can explain. My favorite things about you are your kindness, your passion, and the way you care for and love me and our family.

Those words capture the heart of what we’ve built. A love rooted in kindness, passion, protection, and partnership.

The proposal was perfectly us — simple, joyful, and centered on family. The five of us (Jayda, Owen, and Kaine included) took a trip to one of our favorite little towns, Mount Dora. After a day of shopping and staying up late playing card games, we planned a sunset boat ride (even after some lighthearted complaints about a 5pm dinner reservation). With our children beside us and the sky painted in evening light, Rick asked the question that changed everything. It was the easiest yes we’ve ever shared. Jayda and the boys had been in on it all along, which made the moment even more meaningful.

What excites us most about marriage is growing our love alongside our children, guiding them together, supporting one another, and continuing to build a life as a family of five. We feel incredibly lucky to have found each other, and even more grateful for the love we share.

Our hope for this day is simple: that you see how deeply in love we are, how thankful we feel, and how much our family means to us.

This is our forever, and we are so grateful to celebrate it with you.