How We Met: A Love Story That Defied Expectations

 I've had so many people ask me how my husband and I met, and I think this is a great way to introduce our full relationship story. Understanding how we started gives a deeper look into who we are as a couple.

The Night That Changed Everything

It all started on a night out at a well-known honky tonk called Billy Bob’s. I went with a group of friends, just wanting to dance. I’ve never been a big drinker, so I wasn’t there for that, and I definitely wasn’t there looking to meet anyone. Even my mom came along that night, making it more of a fun, casual outing.

Then, out of nowhere, a tall cowboy tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to dance. That cowboy was Brett. From that moment, everything changed. We quickly became fast friends and dance partners. What’s funny is that neither of us was completely over our exes at the time we were still in contact with them, but we both knew we wanted something different.   

                                    "You can't change what's meant to be." - Me

A Start That Was Anything But Conventional

For a few weeks, we stopped talking, but when we reconnected and started dancing together again, everything clicked. From that point on, the rest was history.

In the 11 years we've been together, I can count the number of times we’ve spent apart on one hand. We’ve been attached at the hip since the moment we officially decided to give our relationship a real shot.

That said, we definitely didn’t take the traditional route. Brett basically stayed at my house every night, and then we’d spend time at his parents’ house, juggling between both places. Eventually, we decided to get our own place. My mom wasn’t on board at first, but Brett’s parents supported our decision. In the end, everyone cheered us on as we did what was best for us.

Brett’s Military Journey & My Perspective

Brett was working at his family’s wedding venue when he decided to enlist in the military in 2020. He wanted a change and had always dreamed of being a soldier. Beyond personal ambition, he also wanted to follow in the footsteps of his family members who had served before him.

To be 100% honest, I was not on board with this decision at first. I knew too many people who joined, hated it, and left. My Papaw, before he passed, even told me that the military wasn’t what it used to be. But Brett persevered, and eventually, I had to ask myself:

"Either you can join him in his dreams, or you won’t be a part of them."

I wasn’t willing to let that happen. Brett is the best man I’ve ever known and the love of my life, so I chose to stand by him and support his journey.

Looking Back on Our Journey

Years later, I can truly say that we have loved Brett being in the service. It has brought incredible opportunities, lifelong friends, and a strong support system. One of the biggest blessings is that his career allows me to pursue my own journey through school without financial stress—something that wouldn’t have been possible before.

I am beyond grateful for the people who have supported us along the way and continue to uplift our love story. We didn’t take the traditional route, but it has been perfect for us.

And that, my friends, is how it all began.

- Payton Blackwood