Jennifer & Edward

April 6, 2025

Photography: Emma Cate McNew Photography

Jennifer and Edward’s love story began when they were 15 years old.  It was just an ordinary day in gym class when Edward kicked a soccer ball…and accidently hit Jennifer in the face. To say her first impression of him wasn’t great would be an understatement. Jennifer hadn’t thought much of Edward before, “I’d seen him around the halls, and he always seemed overly competitive in gym class,” she says. A couple of weeks after the incident, everything changed. The entire freshman class logged into OMGPOP, the hottest social gaming site at the time, and by chance, Jennifer and Edward ended up in the same game room. They began chatting, and before they realized it, the conversation stretched late into the night. His sense of humor drew her in, and suddenly she couldn’t wait for the weekend to end just to see him in person. Their first date was simple but perfect: Chick-fil-A and a movie. Not long after, he asked her to be his girlfriend, and of course she said “YES!” From there a beautiful relationship blossomed. They passed love notes in the hallways, sneaked kisses in between classes, and spent hours talking about their future. By the time they were both 16, Edward asked her almost daily on the school bus to marry him. Jennifer always teased him with the same answer, “Not without a ring.” Then one day, he asked her again, and when she gave her usual response, he flashed a huge grin, pulled a Ring Pop out of his pocket, and asked her once more. She couldn’t help but say yes!

Jennifer and Edward graduated from high school and college together, supporting each other every step of the way. At 23, they took a leap and moved to California to pursue their dreams. They spent four unforgettable years there, exploring Disneyland, the beaches, and the stunning scenery of the Golden State. During this time, Jennifer earned her master’s degree, and Edward received his real estate license, all while they balanced full-time jobs. They both enjoyed being young, wild, and free together. At 27, they decided to move back to Texas to be closer to family. The day before their road trip back Edward planned to propose at Laguna Beach. But Jennifer being her usual self, changed her mind about going. Edward tried everything to convince her, but the proposal had to wait. The second attempt came at a family dinner when they arrived in Texas. Edward walked in with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She accepted them with no clue as to why she was getting them. She wasn’t feeling well that day, so once again, he held off asking her. Then came the third attempt. Edward picked Jennifer up at her parent’s house, bouquet in hand. Her heart skipped a beat. “Why so many flowers?” she wondered. And then, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Jennifer’s heart raced, especially when she saw that he’d made sure her mom was there, knowing how important she is to her. Jennifer thought, “We have been together for 16 years and I would know when he’d propose.” Yet, he slid past her three times without her knowing. And here they were, with their hearts full of love and laughter, overjoyed to spend the rest of their lives together.

To help with preparations for their wedding day they attended the Bridal Extravaganza. They loved it so much they went four times! They found many of their vendors at the event, including the cake, photobooth, wedding planner, and tuxes etc. Finding the location for their wedding was a little challenging. After touring seven venues all the way from Dallas to Houston they fell in love with Sandlewood Manor in Tomball. As soon as they stepped inside their hearts immediately knew it was the perfect setting to get married.

What began with a chance moment in a high school gym class has grown into a love defined by commitment and devotion. When love starts young, it only grows stronger with time.

Advice for Brides-to-be

Have fun. Do what you LOVE. Don’t let other people influence your decisions.

By Karen Balla