As told by Jeff

The story of “Claire & Jeff” began before there ever was a meeting of the two.

Claire grew up with an incredible bond to her family and her faith. She loved family road trips to MLB spring training, collecting mugs from each city they would visit, and spending summers at Pine Cove, both as a camper and later as a counselor.

Claire began her pursuit of a career in which she could help people enjoy a healthier lifestyle at Baylor University, where she met many of the women who are her closest friends today. Now a pediatric nurse practitioner, Claire spends her days in the clinic helping children and their families. In her spare time, she loves long evening walks, always makes time for her friends and their adorable babies, and can light a ski run on fire.

One of four children, Jeff was always on the go. He was infatuated with the outdoors so much so that his mom made his bed look like a tree house, enjoyed reading and playing piano before football practice or racing BMX bikes, and looked forward to driving through west Texas on Friday nights with has dad to attend high school football games. While the most important things to him are his faith and family, Jeff loves skiing, hiking, golfing, spending time with their two dogs, hosting pool parties at his house, and deep political and religious discussions held over a cigar with his friends on weekend hunting trips.

What began as a conversation about the proper protocol for dancing in kitchens turned into a first date which lasted four and a half hours, putting the couple’s shared ability to chat on full display. Jeff and Claire quickly bonded over their shared interests and on their third date, Jeff used every tool in his arsenal to woo Claire, hosting her at his house and shamelessly using his dog, Emory, to his advantage, setting up an extra TV in the living room for college football, and grilling fajitas and jalapeño poppers. After their third date, Jeff knew Claire was special and that his search was over. For Claire, her moment of clarity came during a Baylor football game day one month into dating. Unbeknownst to Jeff, when he gave her an unexpected hug, she knew he was the man she would marry.

Claire and Jeff sincerely thank all of those who have been and continue to be supportive of them during all seasons of their life.

Q + A

What do I do if I have dietary restrictions?