Barbara Bush Recalls ‘Hazing’ Her Now Husband on Their First Date: ‘Never Thought We’d See Him Again!’ (Exclusive)

Barbara Bush Reminisces About ‘Hazing’ Her Future Husband Craig Coyne on Their Memorable First Date

Barbara Bush, the daughter of former US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, shared an exclusive story with PEOPLE about her unconventional first encounter with her now-husband Craig Coyne. The couple, who tied the knot in 2018 and have two children together, recalled the amusing and unexpected circumstances surrounding their initial meeting.

Barbara fondly remembers how she was initially hesitant about meeting Craig, as they were communicating via text while she was on a book tour with her twin sister Jenna Bush Hager. Coincidentally, Craig happened to be in the same city as Barbara during the tour, and they agreed to meet for a drink at the hotel where Barbara and Jenna were staying.

However, what made the encounter particularly memorable was the fact that Barbara conveniently forgot to mention to Craig that Jenna would also be present at their meeting. This led to a comical moment where Barbara had to approach several men in search of Craig, not knowing what he looked like since he was not active on social media.

Despite the initial confusion, Barbara was pleasantly surprised when Craig finally arrived and found him to be charming and attractive. Jenna, on the other hand, couldn’t resist inviting Craig to join them at a book event, much to Barbara’s amusement. Little did they know that this impromptu invitation would mark the beginning of a beautiful love story.

As fate would have it, the book event where Barbara and Jenna were scheduled to speak had an unexpected twist. The moderator, Emily Giffin, excited about Barbara’s blind date with Craig, orchestrated a memorable moment by toasting to their potential marriage on stage. The audience was engaged in the unfolding romantic saga, with Barbara and Craig unknowingly becoming the center of attention.

Following the eventful evening, Barbara and Jenna departed for their next tour stop with a sense of amusement and disbelief at the turn of events. Reflecting on the humorous series of events that transpired on their first date, Barbara joked about “hazing” Craig and never expecting to see him again, let alone end up married to him.

The enduring love story between Barbara and Craig serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected encounters can lead to lifelong connections. Their journey from a chance blind date to a lasting marriage is a testament to the unpredictable and often delightful twists of fate that life has in store.

Barbara and Jenna’s shared stories of love, laughter, and sisterhood continue to resonate with audiences, offering a glimpse into the personal experiences and cherished moments that shape their lives. As they navigate the joys and challenges of relationships and family life, their bond remains unwavering, filled with laughter, support, and shared memories.

The tale of Barbara and Craig’s unconventional first date serves as a heartwarming reminder that love can often be found in the most unexpected places and circumstances. It is a testament to the power of serendipity and the magic of connection that transcends time and distance, leading to a lifelong journey of love and partnership.

For more exclusive insights and heartwarming anecdotes from Jenna and Barbara’s lives, don’t miss their featured interview in the latest issue of PEOPLE, available on newsstands. Join in their journey of love, laughter, and sisterhood as they share their unique perspectives on life, love, and the enduring bond that ties them together.