We are so excited to celebrate with everyone at our wedding! We first met in Iceland, but we’ve each decided to share one of our favorite stories about the beginning of our relationship.

Zoie:

I’m sure no one is shocked to know that Alex and I said about ten words to each other over our three-week study abroad trip to Iceland in May 2021. I told Alex “no thanks” when he offered me his hand to climb down some rocks on the black sand beach, and Alex let me know that he thought Taylor Swift’s new albums were “trash.” And somehow, we still made this work!

After we got back from Iceland, Alex and I got to know each other when our study abroad group had reunions during the summer. When we actually talked to each other, I quickly realized that Alex was the most witty, intelligent person I’d ever met. I also realized he was one of the snarkiest. Our study abroad reunions quickly led to some bowling, movie, and coffee dates.

After a few dates, Alex asked me to go with him to the Neshoba County Fair. That night was a memorable one…I won a fish while playing carnival games, rode a roller coaster by myself (because Alex is scared of them), and Alex asked me to be his girlfriend as fireworks ended the fair.

We’ve had lots of adventures since then, but that night will always be one of my favorites. I don’t think there was an exact moment when I knew Alex was “the one” because it’s always felt so right with him. From the moment he made a quick-witted comment to me on the Icelandic beach, to all the exciting trips he’s planned for us, I’ve felt so at ease knowing that I’ve found my person. I am so lucky to have found the most kind, caring, and patient man, and I am so excited to start our life together!

Alex:

Like Zoie said, we barely said a word to each other over the course of the three weeks we were in Iceland together, but our whole group became really close. When we got back to Starkville, our group would meet up once or twice a week to eat and go out. One of the first times we all met up, we decided to go to Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern. I got there late and there weren’t many more seats, but Zoie managed to maneuver the tables and chairs in such a way that I ended up sitting next to her (interesting). We talked for hours that night, and all I wanted to do was talk to her more. After I left, I told the friends I was riding back with “I’m gonna marry that girl.” The next month, I asked her to be my girlfriend in one of the most romantic places in the world…the Neshoba County Fair.

Then, almost two years later, we traveled back to Iceland. After a pitch-black, 4-hour underground hike (she never saw it coming), I took Zoie back to the spot where she wouldn’t take my hand because she was “too nervous,” and I nervously asked her to take mine. She said yes, and on December 20th, 2024, my dreams of marrying my best friend will come true. I can’t wait to continue exploring the world as we spend the rest of our lives together.