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Shared Sobriety and Online Connection Spark Austin Romance
A shared commitment to sobriety served as the foundation for the connection between Gregory Lawrence Reck and Emily Blakeley Starkey. Their relationship, however, began as an online friendship, blossoming over four years before evolving into romance. This Austin, Texas couple’s journey highlights how shared experiences and virtual interactions can lead to profound real-life connections.
Initial Meeting at a 12-Step Gathering
The pair first encountered each other in person in October 2018. Their meeting occurred in an Austin shopping center parking lot, preceding a late-night 12-step program session.
“I was newly sober and noticed this charming woman talking with her friends,” Mr. Reck recounted. “I approached them to introduce myself, and we exchanged names and discussed our professions.”
When Mr. Reck shared his pursuit of a career in public education, Ms. Starkey immediately connected with him. She revealed her profession as a public-school teacher, a role she cherished. “There’s a distinct understanding among individuals passionate about public education,” she observed.
From Online Acquaintances to Deeper Connection
Days later, Mr. Reck, 31, and Ms. Starkey, 30, became Facebook friends. Their online interactions remained consistent, exchanging messages periodically and engaging with each other’s social media posts.
Their virtual communication intensified in 2020 as 12-step meetings transitioned online due to the pandemic. “As our online exchanges became more frequent, I began to truly notice Greg’s profile photos and how appealing he was,” Ms. Starkey admitted.
Mr. Reck also felt a growing attraction. “We encouraged each other in maintaining sobriety during a challenging period,” he stated. “Our careers advanced, and we discussed teaching and social justice issues.”
Ms. Starkey was employed as a high school English educator, while Mr. Reck served as a policy analyst for the Texas Education Agency.
Reconnecting In-Person and Rekindling the Spark
In November 2022, their paths crossed again at a physical 12-step meeting. “Emily entered, and we made eye contact,” Mr. Reck described. “We both smiled broadly, overjoyed to see each other.”
Following the meeting, they engaged in conversation and arranged to attend the same meeting the following week, and subsequent weeks. Their discussions deepened, becoming more extended and intimate.
Late-Night Dinner and Shared Experiences
One evening, Mr. Reck invited Ms. Starkey for a late-night meal. “My heart skipped a beat,” she confessed.
They shared a dinner at Whataburger, conversing until 3 a.m. about their personal battles with alcoholism during their teenage years.
“It’s truly uncommon to encounter someone with parallel life experiences at such a young age,” Mr. Reck remarked. Both had initially achieved sobriety as teenagers, experienced relapses in their early twenties, and regained sobriety in their mid-twenties.
Before departing, Mr. Reck kissed Ms. Starkey in the Whataburger parking area, expressing his desire to see her again. “I was overwhelmed by the profoundness of our conversation,” she recalled.
Becoming Inseparable and Recognizing “The One”
The couple rapidly became inseparable, spending most evenings and weekends together despite the 45-minute commute between their residences. Attending weekly late-night meetings became a vital part of their shared routine.
“I felt an overwhelming attraction to Greg and became certain I wanted to marry him,” she revealed.
Mr. Reck had realized Emily was “the one” months prior. “There was a specific night in December when we were stargazing in the Hill Country, and I looked at her under the starlight and was completely captivated,” he shared.
Mr. Reck’s background includes growing up in Bangkok, Cairo, and Buenos Aires. He is currently a senior policy analyst at the Texas Education Agency, conducting research and advising Texas public school districts. He holds degrees from St. Edward’s University and the University of Texas at Austin.
Ms. Starkey, originally from Columbia, Mississippi, teaches English at Akins Early College High School in Austin and graduated from Texas State University.
Engagement and Wedding in Texas
The engagement occurred in July during a Seattle vacation. “We were admiring the Space Needle when Greg proposed,” she said.
Their wedding took place on March 15 at One Eleven East in Hutto, Texas. A close friend, Rob Collins, officiated the ceremony for 120 guests.
Wedding Celebration and Toasts to the Future
The newlyweds’ first dance was to “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, a song significant from their early dates.
The reception included both a traditional bar and a coffee bar. “Emily and I toasted with my iced chai latte and her iced vanilla latte with extra espresso,” Mr. Reck mentioned. “We toasted to a future filled with commitment and love.”