Jeremy & Erin Brown

Their friends said they’d make a great couple. After marriage, a dog, and three kids, Jeremy and Erin Brown feel the same way.

How did you meet?

Jeremy: Our respective roommates were getting married, and we were both in the wedding. About a week before the wedding, they cornered us separately and said, “You guys would make a great couple.” We already knew each other a little from attending The Crossing. I was totally open to it, but Erin was skeptical. I made sure we were on the same Bocce Ball team at the reception, and the rest is history.

Where has been your favorite travel destination? 

Erin:  Mexico for our honeymoon! Jeremy wanted to explore the West Coast for hiking, camping, etc.  I convinced him that margaritas by the pool in Mexico would be much more relaxing, especially after months of wedding planning.

Any tips for couples traveling together?

J: Compromise. I like to fly by the seat of my pants while Erin likes to plan. We have the best time when we do a little of both. That pertains to our marriage, too!

E: We do our best to eat healthy and avoid food allergens and fast food, so eating while traveling can be a challenge.  I typically spend a good amount of time prepping food for all of our road trips.  I have it down to a science now.  Our cooler is always packed with chia pudding, hard-boiled eggs, cut up veggies and hummus, our favorite homemade chicken salad, and more.

What was your first date? 

E: Sycamore then Sparkys.  We walked around downtown, then sat on the quad and talked while eating our ice cream.

J: Erin claims she knew we would get married by the end of the first date.

What keeps you busy during the week?

J: Raising and keeping track of three rambunctious kids plus a Blue Heeler/Hound Dog puppy. 

E: Homeschooling three kids,  tutoring for Classical Conversations, and planning the CoMo Wellness Conference – which is coming up on April 23!

What’s it like to work together?

E: We’ve worked together on several projects over the years. The most recent is the CoMo Wellness Conference.  We make a great team.  We brainstorm the big ideas together, then Jeremy helps me figure out the implementation as I coordinate the speakers, sponsors, and the rest of the details. On the day of the conference Jeremy takes care of all the operations so I can focus on the people!

What is the key to a lasting and healthy relationship?

E: Commitment. I know that no matter what comes our way we are committed to working through it. 

J: Compromise, honesty, and a shared vision for your family. 

What is the best quality of your partner?

J: She’s steadfast, loyal, and forgiving.

E: Jeremy is a great dad. But what I love most is that he is honest, loyal, and trustworthy. 

What is your favorite restaurant in Columbia? 

E: Nourish!  We have several food allergies in our family and Nourish is about the only place in Columbia where we can all order something delicious and know that we won’t feel bad afterward.

What has been your favorite project to work on together? 

E: The CoMo Wellness Conference. I came back from a wellness event in KC excited to start a wellness conference in Columbia. Jeremy immediately opened his laptop and began making a budget for the event. He said, “You know, I think we could actually do this.” Several months later, we had a venue and I had booked our first national speaker. This year will be the fifth edition of the conference, and I still get a thrill when someone buys a ticket!

What brought you both to Columbia?

J: I moved here for a different relationship and to live in a college town. That relationship didn’t work out, but Columbia did. Erin’s a native!

E: I was born and raised in Columbia.  I graduated from Hickman and went to Mizzou, then taught math at Oakland Middle School for 8 years.  I love Columbia and don’t have any interest in leaving. Jeremy came to Columbia for a girl (not me! LOL).