It all began at the Westside Club, where we first met as middle schoolers on the tennis courts. Will, being two years ahead of me in school, didn't give me much more than a friendly nod or a brief smile. But even back then, I could tell there was something about him—though we hardly spoke, I always noticed his easygoing nature and kind heart.

After Will left for college at The Citadel, we lost touch for a few years. Our worlds were moving in different directions. But as I was preparing to leave for the College of Charleston, we saw each other at church.

We ended up talking for nearly an hour—our parents waiting patiently in their cars. Yet, as quickly as we’d reconnected, life pulled us in different directions again, and we didn’t talk much after that.

A couple of years later, I was living in New York City, adjusting to life in the city. I had joined a Bible study group, and one afternoon, my discipleship leader and I prayed together about my future husband. It was one of those vulnerable prayers, where you put your trust in God, knowing He has a plan even if the details aren’t clear yet.

That same day, I got a message from Will.

He asked when I was coming back home, and I couldn’t help but wonder if God was answering my prayer that quickly. He was inviting me to a Greenville Drive baseball game. I came home for Mother’s Day, and we went on our first date. I was supposed to fly back to New York for the summer, but something in my heart told me I wasn’t ready to leave. I canceled my flight. The rest of the summer we spent nearly every day together.

By the time our third date rolled around, we both knew—though neither of us said it aloud yet—that we had fallen in love.

Looking back, I can see how God orchestrated every part of our story—from those brief, early moments at tennis practice, to the years of not seeing each other, to the reconnection at church. There were many invisible strings that led us here, to this moment, where I know without a doubt that Will is the person I am meant to spend the rest of my life with.

Thank you to everyone who has been apart of our journey. We love you all so much, and cannot wait to celebrate with you on September 6th!