Sarah & Nick Aylward, The FIRM

07/13/2026

The odds were NOT in our favor.

Or maybe they were. Despite our best attempts to fight fate.

We grew up a few blocks apart. But we never met. Until freshman year. A childhood friend introduced us. Quickly in the same gang of teens that tested more than a few rules. Snuck out with the same crew, went to the same field and farm parties.

Never dated. But we did become true friends. A glance could send us both laughing.

Then life took us separate ways. To Memphis. To New York. Careers, marriages … different lives for 12 years. By all odds, we never should have seen each other again.

But under tragic circumstances, we did. Our friends funeral. At an especially dark time in each of our lives. Adult adventures had begun crashing into humbling heartbreaks.

Minus all the optimism we had as kids. But that same glance, and knowing… I found myself laughing again despite all of the awful. Feeling like myself again. The person I’d misplaced.

Before then, almost all of my life decisions were based on logic. It had worked really well. Until it failed miserably.

So. We did something crazy. I followed my heart to Memphis. And it was terrifying jumping off that cliff together. But continuing without each other was worse.

And here we are. TEN YEARS!! The very best parts of life, that very nearly never were. Im so incredibly proud of us for facing the fear and fighting for us despite how difficult it was.

The exact opposite of most romances. We started with ALL of the hardest parts. Harder than we expected. But every challenge forced us, to keep choosing us. That’s exactly what made us stronger. We did it all backward. And it worked!! Thank god we kept trusting it would.

Nick, you’ve brought everything that means anything to my life. And I know exactly how precious this is, because I know life without you. A love that I really didn’t even believe existed.

TEN YEARS. I know now, without a doubt, I love you more today than yesterday.

But not as much as tomorrow.

06/21/2026

“I was wrong about Nick” Opening line of my diary, Sept 1995.

Wish I could find a picture of it. It made us both laugh so hard.

But I WAS wrong. When we met at 14, I liked him instantly. But he also had a sharp wit, biting sense of humor and a guarded tough exterior. Something to prove, a challenger. Which I also completely loved. I just didn’t know how perceptive and incredibly caring he was. Maybe he hid this on purpose. But apparently I figured it out around 15.

What I didn’t know then, is that I still didn’t really know HOW wrong I was.

We met again a lifetime later, at 34. With a good bit of life behind us. And he was a single dad. All the same handsome charm and humor. But with a new humility and authenticity, a heart split open and worn on the outside. With such an enormous amount of love and unguarded affection. The most amazing dad. Jackson was the center of his life. His eyes had even changed, I swear… I could see straight into his heart.

One of the most wonderful things about getting older, is finding out that some of the most heartbreaking and challenging times can also open doors to some of the greatest unexpected miracles.

I’ll be an eternity of grateful for your strength and vulnerability Nick.

You had to make a much more intentional choice than most dads do. To be a fiercely loving dad, on your own. Without any family nearby or the support new parents need so much. And I know it was terribly lonely and hard. I honestly cry just thinking about it, I absolutely hate thinking about you on this road alone.

But I also know that crucible is exactly what forced you to become more of the person you always were. I didn’t stand a chance. I fell instantly in love with you as a dad.

And then we got the miracles I tried hard not to hope too hard for. Two little girls, our Ryan and Evan. Every bit the tough adorable challenger you were as a teenager. Rightly so. We’ve got it coming to us.

YOU are the very best gift I’ll ever give our children. Happy Fathers Day, to US!! We are so incredibly fortunate to be yours!! 💚

06/06/2026

🦋💗 7 years since we checked our tiny baby out of this small North Carolina NICU, where we showed up in the middle of the night while on vacation in Emerald Isle.

Born two months early. We ended up living in this hospital for nearly a month before we drove her home across the country, weighing 4 lbs zero ounces.

We’re a lifetime of grateful for the doctors and nurses who saved her. This hospital no longer cares for babies born this young. We would’ve been life flighted to another city. So fortunate our paths aligned with the hero’s here 💫

How wonderfully surreal to bring her back today, to see where she began 💗🦋

03/10/2026

Nicky Joe, surely it’s our birthday, because we got the greatest gift!

You are our everything. And my very favorite person.

Im so grateful to have re-met you, with enough life behind me to know — that I really shouldn’t be living without you. What was I thinking?!

Life with you is the biggest and best and fullest. You are pure laughter and smiles with a heart of true love.

Wishing you the most wonderful fresh new year ahead.

Especially one that moves as slowly as possible, while we still have all our babes under our roof. With more love than a year can hold.

I wish you a year in slow motion 🙌⏳🎁 I love you!!

02/27/2026

A distinguished presence in Belleair Woods, this estate represents a rare convergence of character, craftsmanship, and elegance in one of Midtown’s most sought-after neighborhoods. ✨🏡

OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, February 28th | 1–3pm 🗓️🥂
🏷️ $979,000

Situated on a prominent oversized corner parcel, the home blends classic architectural lines with intentional modern updates.

Generous entertaining rooms, abundant natural light, and seamless transitions to the outdoors define the living experience. 🌿☀️

A sparkling pool and lush grounds create a private retreat — all with views of Overton Park and steps to Midtown’s celebrated dining and arts scene. 🏊‍♂️🌳🎭

With over 5,500 square feet and a flexible, multi-living-area layout, the property adapts beautifully to both formal gatherings and relaxed daily life. 🕯️🍷

Thoughtful updates and meaningful upgrades provide confidence and peace of mind.

A compelling opportunity to own a signature, beloved residence ✨

🔗 1Belleair.com

02/19/2026

This vibe 💘 But…make it houses🏡

Can’t quit. Won’t quit.

Until we open the door and you know. It’s the one.

02/17/2026

🙋‍♀️ Mission | Making the Impossible… Possible❤️🏡

Selling a home can be stressful for anyone. In fact, it normally is. Even as a Realtor, I’ve nearly lost it when preparing to put our home on the market with kids.

When you’re juggling a hectic schedule AND trying to keep things tidy with messy kids around, it can be downright overwhelming. Between school runs, work, and day-to-day activities, the idea of prepping your home for potential buyers might seem impossible. Many families even wait painful years to move, even though they need to, because it can feel so impossible.

Link to 5 essential shortcuts in the comments.