Karmen and Jeff’s story began in a way neither of them could have predicted — through their sons, who were friends in high school band together. Though they didn’t know each other at the time, fate had quietly begun to set the stage for something special.
In December 2022, after a performance, Jeff offered to give Karmen’s son, Rashaad, a ride home. On the way, he decided to take the kids to Chili's, and Rashaad asked Karmen if she wanted to join. Begrudgingly, Karmen agreed. She wasn’t in the best of moods that evening, but she went anyway.
When she arrived, she noticed Jeff immediately. He was kind, and easy to talk to — but Karmen was hesitant. She thought to herself, he’s cute, but convinced herself they weren’t a good fit and decided to leave it at that.
Jeff, on the other hand, didn’t think much of the encounter. To him, it was just a simple, friendly gesture — taking the kids to dinner. But he couldn’t deny that something about Karmen stuck with him. She was warm, funny, and beautiful. Still, he didn’t pursue it.
Over the next few months, their paths crossed again at different high school events. Karmen, intrigued but unsure of Jeff’s interest, decided to take a chance. At one of the end-of-year school band events, they were working concessions together. After their shift, she reached out, wondering if he might be interested in hanging out outside of band events. His response was brief: “Okay.”
There was no follow-up, and Karmen quickly accepted that maybe it wasn’t meant to be. With a college tour coming up for their kids, she told herself she’d simply get through the trip without too much embarrassment.
For Jeff, the exchange was casual, but he had begun to notice Karmen more. However, unsure of what to say or do, he held back. He wasn’t actively looking for anything at the time, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something special about her.
By the end of summer, Karmen had decided to cut her losses. She hadn’t heard from him, and though she was still interested, she didn’t want to keep hoping for something that wasn’t going to happen. But, one night, after a glass of wine and a little liquid courage, Karmen texted Jeff again — this time just to say hi.
It was a simple message, but it felt different this time. Jeff responded, and they began talking again. Though it still seemed like a friendly conversation, something began to shift between them. Jeff realized he had been overthinking things and that this was an opportunity he didn’t want to miss. What started as casual text exchanges quickly blossomed into something deeper and more meaningful.
Then, on August 27, 2023, Jeff offered to take Karmen to the airport for her annual birthday trip— a kind, simple gesture that unexpectedly changed everything. What began as a small act of generosity quickly turned into daily conversations and endless hours of connection.
From that moment, they talked every day, growing closer and more connected, until a magical New Year’s Eve moment in Las Vegas marked the start of their love story.
As 2024 rolled in, a special moment that felt like destiny arrived. At 12:01 AM on January 1, as fireworks lit up the night sky at the Strat in Las Vegas, Jeff turned to Karmen and told her he loved her. Overcome with emotion, she teared up, knowing she had been feeling the same way and had hoped to say it first. It was a perfect, unforgettable moment—one that had been building for months. In that instant, they both knew: this was just the beginning.
A year later, on August 27, 2024 — exactly one year after they first truly connected — Jeff and Karmen were in Cabo San Lucas, for the annual birthday trip. Surrounded by the beauty of the moment, Jeff got down on one knee and asked Karmen to be his forever.
Surrounded by beauty and love, Karmen said “yes,” beginning the next chapter of their lives, filled with excitement for the future and gratitude for those who supported them along the way.
And now, after an incredible journey together, they are ready to begin the next chapter of their lives. They are so excited to share this special moment with their family and friends, and deeply grateful for the love and support they’ve received along the way.
Thank you for being part of their story. They can’t wait to celebrate with you!