You know, we aren't quite sure how we never crossed paths before UVA. Growing up 25 minutes from each other, our moms bringing us along to the same spa, attending the same fall and summer camps, Friday night football games, and frequenting the same restaurants...it just doesn't make much sense how we didn't meet sooner.

I (Sam) used to find excuses to go hang out with Athena's first year RA who I knew from back home. She was a 4th year having very little in common with me, but it was a chance to be on Athena's hall for a bit. Maybe she'd walk by?

Meanwhile we started hanging out at various Young Life events at UVA in large group settings. As first year went on, we talked more, spent more time together, and became the best of friends. Second and third year rolled along and our friendship grew as we were both in ministry with Young Life at Western Albemarle High School. But third year was a bit different than before...

During our third year at UVA Sam and I officially started dating. Sam refers to it as a "chase," because he confesses he knew he loved me the first time he met me. So, all three years at UVA, Sam waited patiently to see what God had in store for our relationship. Sam is the most patient man I know and reflected the love and grace of Jesus Christ as he pursued me and trusted God.

Two years of dating were two of our best years. We explored a new city together- Nashville, Tennessee- and took our first trip together after dating for a few months. We fell in love with the city and have now gone back to visit three other times! We introduced our families to one another, explored Charlottesville together, turned 21 together, graduated college together, and so much more. Sam and I have gotten to share life together, and that looks different every day, but it's the greatest gift.

On to the engagement. Sam told me to expect a proposal sometime in the fall. I was expecting he would propose on our anniversary in October, but boy was I surprised. Sam had a conversation with a close friend who offered wise advice and challenged Sam and his timing. After that conversation, Sam spent about 3 days calling my sister and my best friend to help, flying friends in from Florida, changing reservations, and shifting catering orders all in an attempt to move the proposal and engagement parties to August 11th, rather than October 20th.

By God's design and divine timing, everything fell in to place and Sam planned to propose on Sunday, August 11th. He spoke to my whole family, not just my parents, to receive approval. After he received approval, everything was in full swing! We drove to 12 Ridges Vineyard to have a dinner, read books, watch the sunset, and wake up the next morning to watch the sunrise. To my surprise, Sam had much more planned for the next morning.

Sam proposed to me at sunrise on Sunday, August 11th. Our closest friends came to the vineyard to celebrate with us as soon as is said YES. Sam had a drone flying over, which caught the whole thing on video. We then celebrated engagement with breakfast with friends, lunch at my house with all of our families, naps in the afternoon, and a dinner for two at our favorite restaurant in Williamsburg, VA.

It was a whirlwind of a day, but one of our favorites thus far! Since the proposal, Sam and I have come to know and one another more than we ever did before. The Lord has been so present every step of the way, and we continue to lean on him for guidance, comfort, and peace as we trust in him entering into this new season! Sam and I could not be more excited for marriage. We know the Lord has so much in store- joy, excitement, hardship, tears, laughter, new beginnings, and so much more.

We are so excited to celebrate the Lord's covenant of marriage with each and every one of you! We are thankful for your continued support and willingness to come and celebrate with us on July 10th, 2021 from 5pm to 10pm.