Our story

Jarell and I met online in 2022 in a way that, looking back, feels almost perfectly meant to be.

Jarell commented on a picture of me and said, “Either you’re at brunch with the girls or on a bad date.” As it turns out, he was absolutely right. The picture had actually been taken while I was on a bad date. I had no idea then that a simple comment would be the beginning of our love story.

We texted and talked on the phone for about two weeks before going on our first date. We started our evening in Trinity Groves, where we shared an assortment of sweet treats from Kessler Baking Studio—perfectly fitting since sweets are one of my favorite things—and spent hours having intriguing and effortless conversation.

From Trinity Groves, we made our way to a beautiful spot where we could take in a breathtaking view of the Dallas skyline. We continued talking, getting to know each other, and enjoying each other’s company before eventually ending the night at Sylvan Avenue Tavern.

It was the longest first date either of us had ever had, and somehow, neither of us wanted it to end.

The intentional dates, laughter, and conversations continued, and in February 2023, Jarell took me on a helicopter ride over the Dallas skyline. Somewhere above the city, surrounded by an unforgettable view, he officially asked me if I would be his girlfriend.

Of course, I said yes!

The next three years were filled with love, laughter, family, travel, new experiences, and countless memories. We spent time with each other’s families, explored new places, and simply enjoyed doing life together. We traveled to Orlando, Los Angeles, Denver, Scottsdale, Thackerville, Shreveport, Houston, Austin, Chicago, D.C., the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

And somewhere along the way, our family grew by four paws. In 2025, Jarell surprised me with Blaze, our Australian Shepherd, as a Christmas gift. Blaze quickly became a very special part of our lives and our little family.

Then came another unforgettable trip to Mexico—this time for my birthday.

During a romantic breakfast on the terrace of our suite, Jarell played a song he had written for me. In that beautiful moment, he asked me to marry him.

Undoubtedly, I said yes!

We celebrated by swimming with dolphins and spending the rest of our trip soaking in the excitement of becoming the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Odom.

Now, as we prepare to begin this next chapter, we are reminded of just how beautifully God has written our story.

With God at the center of our relationship, Jarell and I look forward to continuing to love, learn, grow, and serve God and one another. We are excited to keep building the life we desire together—a life filled with faith, family, laughter, adventure, and a lifetime of memories.

What started with a comment on a picture turned into a first date neither of us wanted to end, a love that took us around the world, and a proposal that brought us one step closer to forever.

And now, we can’t wait to begin forever together.