Justin and Molly Stanford's story has always been one of partnership.

It began at the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans, where Justin was a year ahead of Molly. What started with a shared passion for dentistry soon became something much bigger. Today, years later, they're still side by side as husband and wife, business partners, parents, and teammates in just about every part of life.

"We're grateful that our journey together began there," Molly says, "and has grown into a life centered around family, friends, our careers, and our community."

After dental school, the couple spent six years in Florida while Justin completed medical school and his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the University of Florida. In 2020, they returned to Molly's hometown of Lafayette, built Cypress Bend Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and officially put down roots in Acadiana. Today, Justin is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, while Molly practices general dentistry and manages the practice they built together.

But once the workday ends, their favorite roles begin.

As parents to Camden, 7, and Connor, 4, life is full of soccer practices, swimming lessons, school events, birthday parties, and neighborhood adventures. The boys attend Ascension Episcopal School, are always eager to try a new sport, and can often be found riding bikes, cruising through River Ranch in the golf cart, or making plans with friends.

"They're both social butterflies," Molly says with a laugh.

The Stanford family embraces the pace of this season of life. Whether they're cheering from the sidelines, spending an afternoon by the pool, hosting friends at their home, or planning their next getaway, they genuinely enjoy doing life together and making the most of every opportunity to create memories.

"Our family loves to have fun," Molly says. "We laugh a lot, enjoy a little playful banter, and are always looking for a reason to celebrate or plan our next adventure."

That adventurous spirit has taken them around the world. The couple loves to travel and has explored destinations throughout Europe, Alaska, Canada, the Bahamas, and beyond. Summer beach trips have become an annual tradition, and this fall they'll introduce Camden and Connor to the magic of Disney World for the first time. Closer to home, one of their favorite escapes is the Bordelon family's camp at False River, where generations have spent summers boating, tubing, skiing, and simply enjoying time together.

Family has always been at the center of everything they do.

The Stanfords treasure watching their boys grow up alongside their cousins, gathering every Thanksgiving and Christmas at Molly's parents' home, and creating traditions that don't require a special occasion. A family dinner, an evening outdoors, or a weekend spent with loved ones is often all they need.

"We make traditions out of everyday moments," Molly says.

Of course, good food is never far from those gatherings. While the family enjoys trying Lafayette's incredible local restaurants, Justin proudly claims the title of grill master at home. A perfectly cooked steak, shared with family and friends, has become one of their favorite ways to end the day.

Another member of the family rarely misses the fun either. Cooper, their miniature dachshund, has been with Justin and Molly since they first started dating in 2011. After overcoming two back surgeries, he's happily settled into River Ranch life, where he spends his days soaking up attention from his two young "big brothers."

Since moving into River Ranch last year, the Stanford family has quickly fallen in love with the neighborhood's welcoming atmosphere.

"It feels like a small town within the city," Molly says. "Whether it's taking evening walks or golf cart rides, running into friends, or enjoying neighborhood events, there's a genuine sense of belonging that makes it such a special place to live."

Looking back, it's easy for Justin and Molly to see how each chapter of their journey has led them here. What began as a friendship in dental school has grown into a life filled with meaningful work, two energetic boys, lifelong friends, and a community they're proud to call home.

They've built a life rooted in hard work, adventure, and meaningful relationships. But ask either of them what matters most, and the answer is simple. Spending time with the people they love and making the most of every season together.