In the lively town of Lebanon, Tennessee, there was a quaint local bar named Cahoots that became the unexpected setting for a love story that would change two lives forever.

Now anyone who has had the pleasure of walking into this fine establishment knows - you're more than likely having your shoes stick to the floor than finding someone to stick with the rest of your life. It was the kind of place where locals gathered to share stories - or forget them, fill the floor with line dancing, and listen to the smooth rhythm of country tunes (until 11:00 PM when things got a little more wild).

On this particular January 14th evening, both Alex and I found ourselves at Cahoots, drawn by the magnetic pull of live music and the prospect of a good time. The bar was dimly lit, with the warm glow of neon signs casting a cozy ambiance over the twirling couples and carefree laughter.

Alex's perspective: After a few beers, I noticed a captivating figure across the room — a person with a smile as bright as the neon lights. Intrigued, I decided to make my way through the crowd, weaving between groups of friends and couples lost in the music to try and find out who this girl could be and why I didn't know her.

Elsie's perspective: After a few beers, I mustered up the courage to try a few line dances on my own. With the crowd gathered around the dance floor, I knew this was not the time to forget how to count. I saw this tall figure get closer and closer, thinking great - I've truly embarrassed myself and this dude is going to tell me to get off the dance floor.

Little did either of us know - this ordinary evening would turn into the beginning of an extraordinary love story.

With low judgement and lots of laughter, we spent the remainder of the evening dancing like locals, sharing funny family stories, and cracking jokes on one another over Waffle House breakfast bowls.

Three months after this eventful night, the world was grappling with the challenges and uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Living a state away the first seven months of our relationship, we were forced to learn how to encourage our individual pursuits, fostering an environment where both could thrive independently, even while physically apart.

Our love story became a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring power of love.

A few years later on July 29, 2023, I drove to my hometown to spend time with Caroline and Virginia Grace for the weekend. As I arrived, both kept staring oddly in my direction - smiling like I had done something. Five minutes into my arrival, Virginia Grace threw a card at me.

Exchanging knowing glances and giggles, they watched as I opened a letter from Alex.

Quickly reading through each line, holding on to each word, I came to the letter's conclusion - "Enjoy the day with your sisters. See you tonight."

Tears welled in my eyes as I jumped up to hug them both. This was a moment I had dreamed about my entire life.

We arrived on a steep gravel drive, now knowing exactly the location Alex had chosen to ask for my hand - the place where he asked me to be his girlfriend - where our love really came to life, the lake house.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Caroline and Virginia Grace guided me back to the dock, now adorned with flowers, creating a magical atmosphere. There, I found Alex, waiting with a heart full of love and a sparkling ring in hand - on the hottest day of the year LOL

The proposal that ensued was a culmination of love, surprises, and the unwavering support of our closest family and childhood friends.

Over that enchanted lake, beneath the hues of the setting sun, I said yes to a future filled with love, laughter, and the beautiful memories of a morning that started as an ordinary day but transformed into a chapter in our love story that would be cherished forever.

We look forward to sharing more memories as we promise our lives together on the beautiful Cliffs of Moher in Ireland on September 8, 2024.

Thank you to everyone who has played a role in our love story. We look forward to celebrating with you soon!