Clint and I met long ago in 7th grade at Brandon Academy and have been friends since the day we met! We always had classes together throughout the middle and high school years.
We graduated from Brandon High School together in 1988. From there, we went on our separate ways. After many years of being out of touch, we were reunited through an amazing set of circumstances. Clint's brother, Derek, and I were both at the same networking event at the Ice Palace in Tampa on Thursday April 5, 2007. I was there with my friend Stephanie. Derek was there with Randy Bahlow and some other work associates. My friend Stephanie was talking to a guy and they were starting to hit it off, so I excused myself. I stood next to Derek, not knowing he was Clint's brother. I said, "I'm going to stand here. Hope you don't mind." Derek stuck his hand out and said,"I need a name. What's your name?" He and I spoke for about 15 minutes and made friends. He then told me, "I'm going to go ahead and hand pick you to be my sister-in-law. You need to marry my brother!" I laughed, "Okay! Tell me about your brother. What's his name?" Derek said, "Clint Thompson." I was shocked! I said, "I KNOW Clint Thompson!" Derek called Clint a little while later and put us on the phone with each other. We talked about getting together. I was really excited. I said,"You are going to call me, right?" Clint said,"I absolutely WILL call you!" Derek sent me an e-mail the next day asking, "When are you going to marry my brother?" I replied, "Let's wait for him to ask!" A few days went by. I left Derek a voice mail on Monday afternoon saying I wouldn't be able to marry Clint if he didn't call me for a date! Clint called me 30 minutes later on his own, coincidentally, before Derek relayed that message. Clint and I set up our first date for Wednesday April 11, 2007. We met at Jesse's Tavern in Brandon for dinner and have been together ever since! On Thursday March 6, 2008 Clint took me back to Brandon Academy where he got down on one knee and said, "This is where it all started for us and I think it's appropriate that this is where the next chapter of our lives begins. Will you marry me?" I answered an enthusiastic, "YES!!!" Derek knew! A special "thank you" goes out to Stephanie's mom, Pat Santoro. She sent us to the Ice Palace that night. Pat's mom's maiden name is Thompson! Also, Clint proposed to me on Steph's dad's birthday! (Tony Santoro) Pat says it was no accident! We think it's amazing! ~Kristen
July 19, 2008 10:30 a.m. ~ Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church ~ Valrico, FL
The Columbia Restaurant ~ in the historic district of Ybor City ~
12:00p.m. to 4:00p.m.
The lunch buffet will include the famous 1905 salad, chicken and yellow rice , and other traditional favorites!
The theme of our wedding is Florida Fun! Attire is relaxed and casual. Sundresses and Tommy Bahama-style shirts are encouraged! No ties necessary!
We are truly looking forward to seeing each of you on our wedding day. It means the world to us to have our families and friends share this very special day with us! We love you all so much!
XOXOXO, Kristen and Clint
