On New Year’s Eve, I stood in my own backyard in High Springs and said “I Do.” What began as my first house quickly became the place where my wife and I started our married life together.
When I bought the home, the backyard was what sold me. It opened into quiet woods with tall oaks, curious squirrels, and the occasional deer. There was even a tree that twisted into the ground in an arch, and I loved knowing that would be my everyday view.
When we decided to get married just two months after I proposed, traditional venues felt expensive and impersonal. We already had a backyard we loved, so we turned it into our venue. That meant renting a cherry picker to clear dead branches, wrapping lights in the trees, moving rocks and dirt, and borrowing and renting tables and chairs. The list of projects felt endless, but it also felt worth it. Every dollar and every hour we poured into that space made our wedding day meaningful and added lasting value to our home.
The day of the wedding was sunny and cold, with our Florida friends bundled in coats round the fire. We had our ceremony at four, dinner under the trees at five, and dancing until midnight. Now, every time I step outside, I can see the people we love gathered there.
Your home is so much more than a roof and four walls. It is where you celebrate holidays, raise children, welcome friends, or even host a wedding. It holds memories, milestones, and the things you care about most.
That is why I take home insurance so seriously. I know how much is on the line. If a storm, fire, or accident ever touches your home, I want your policy to be there so your house can keep being the place where your life’s best moments happen.