AIRLIE CONFERENCE CENTER | WARRENTON, VIRGINIA

 

Maybe I’m totally biased, but marrying someone you met when you were in high school is such a special advantage. Building the foundation in your relationship before “adulthood” (whatever that is!) with minimal ‘baggage’ is a huge perk. You see each other in your raw teenage-hood and you get to hit all the fun milestones TOGETHER. Laughing at your hideous mugshots on first driver’s permits, being consistent school dance partners, cheering for each other when you get into college and having a solid BFF when you need it most. However statistically speaking, high school sweethearts are rare to make it to marriage and when they do people get really excited about it because it’s a testament that true love never fails! Ready for this one? Tess and Alex first met in MIDDLE SCHOOL!

Here is how Alex, the smitten groom-to-be, sweetly recalls their story:

“Tess and I went to middle school together and high school together. Tess kept catching my eye throughout my junior year and after some encouragement from some friends and a teacher that knew her, I decided it was time to man up and talk to her.

One night, Liberty was playing Loudon Valley in Men’s basketball and I conveniently sat in the bleachers where Tess was directly behind me just waiting for the opportunity to make a move. I overheard her and one of her friends talking bout how some player on the other team was good looking. So I turned around and jokingly said that I thought another player was way better looking… by the way I am Alex.”

We talked for the rest of the game and then kept talking through Facebook for a bit then finally I gave her my number. We went on a date to Hugo’s skating rink and while we were there I ran over a a very young girl who was probably 5-7 years old. Not the best start. But somehow, through me pummeling little children at the skating rink, Tess decided to give me a chance.

The first time I went over to her house her dad had a shotgun on the table that I immediately noticed. However, we just clicked. I stayed in the kitchen and talked with her parents for hours and it was like I knew them forever. I immediately felt like I belonged. After Tess pulled me away from her parents, she agreed to watch Anchorman with me. From that moment on, I knew she was going to be the one.

We started dating my junior year in the winter of 2008 and with a few short breaks here we are today. We both went to CNU together and lead Young Life.  

Tess is the most amazing, thoughtful, compassionate, and loving person I have ever met in my life.  She has the biggest heart for the Lord, for her YoungLife girls, and for everyone that she comes into contact with and there is nothing more beautiful than that. She’s too humble to tell you this, but she really is the best. She’s the best in all she does! I don’t know how I got so lucky, but everyday I thank The Lord for putting her into my life.”

Tess and Alex, you two are so special and genuine! Sam and I are so overjoyed to have witnessed your story blossom throughout the years. When you got engaged and we saw the news on Facebook – we CHEERED! It’s been one of our ‘Long Term Bets’ that we took note of when you two first started dating! 

You love each other effortlessly. Most of your memories have each other’s names branded in them.

You love others more than you love yourselves. 

You’re going to LOVE being married and all the fun adventures ahead!!! 

 

Love,

The Tuckers