It would not be fate if the beautiful couple had not met during a trip. One was on a trip to Kokomo, Indiana, to play baseball. The other, to Destin, Florida, to tan for 16 hours each day. You can guess which was which. Mutual friends introduced the two..and by mutual friends I mean the internet. Oh yes, love can come from an online dating platform. Of course, Eli's profile was not made by him, but rather a combination of about 8 teammates who ensured they knew better (they were right). Addie, heavily influenced by co-workers and friends to find her true, love island, bachelor lookin, man..thank goodness for filters on pictures am I right?


It didn't take long for the two to meet for the first time. Eli dressed in uniform and a dashing mohawk, and Addie, accompanied by her security guard, Grady (Bubbs/DonDon) Crocker. Eli was very impressed after their first meeting. So much so him and Grady became best friends!


As the two began their awkward talking stage, both realized they shared many of the same values and interests. They also discovered they had about 500 mutual friends and could not believe they had never crossed paths previously. Some would call it crazy, but I think we can call it fate and God's will for them both.


As the two navigated their own lives, it was not long before they began to weld the two together. Talking became officially dating (oooooo!). Dating turned into talking about special jewelry (hint hint). Until finally, they decided to go look at a few rings just to see what style Eli should remember for the future. The excitement was a lot to handle alone, so Eli called in the top reinforcements he could think of..Lisa and Haley. The two ladies helped give Eli insight for rings and of course planning for proposal. Obviously the plan could not go too perfect. Eli took Addie to Anderson Japanese Gardens as a cover up in case she suspected anything. Brunch and their tour of the garden went by a little fast so Eli had to pretend to go #2 for awhile until it was time to move over to the final spot, Sinissippi Rose Garden. It was a short drive over, and suddenly Eli's heart rate read a steady 140 on the apple watch. As they approached the set-up, family carefully hid behind statues and plants to ensure no cover was blown. Eli dropped to a knee and talked too long before finally pulling out the ring he had so carefully been hiding in a towel closet for over 3 weeks. Addie gave it a glance of approval and said yes to the question of forever. The rest is history.


As time goes on, what is revealed more and more is the respect, devotion, infatuation, and bond the two continue to grow for one another. Both driven and passionate, they take these qualities into their blooming relationship and have become an in-seperable power couple. From working out 100 times a week (CrossFit in case you missed their instagram stories), to traveling every other weekend anywhere they can explore, to Sunday night dinner and laundry at the Crocker's (Bob's Kitchen has wonderful meals), to dog sitting, church at Immanuel, ice-cream runs, and 5k runs, the two have realized that, together, is what they enjoy most of all.


Marriage is a symbol that their wish will forever be granted to them.. to do life together as their love continues to grow more and more each day.