Bailey and TJ officially crossed paths during the winter of 2022 at the Jackson Bowling Alley. Bailey would often go to hang out with her brother and their friends, while TJ found little ways to work himself into the conversations. One night, Bailey stayed a little later, and when it was time to leave, TJ offered for her to warm up so she wouldn’t have to walk all the way to her car in the cold. That brief moment turned into a three-hour conversation, ending with TJ asking for her number “just to make sure she got home okay.”

They began talking more often, and although TJ took his time, Bailey decided to take the lead and ask him on a date. Since then, they have been inseparable.

Before they officially met, their lives had quietly intersected in so many ways. Bailey and TJ grew up less than five minutes apart. Bailey used to ride her bike past TJ’s house without ever knowing, and TJ had delivered cheeseless pizzas to Bailey’s little brother on multiple occasions. TJ had also met much of Bailey’s family through the bowling alley, well before their own introduction.

It’s a special coincidence that they met at Jackson Lanes, the very same place where nearly 30 years earlier, TJ’s parents met and began their own lifelong journey together. This connection feels absolutely meant to be for Bailey and TJ.

Over two and a half years, they dreamed about the life they wanted to build together and worked to make those dreams a reality. On May 2nd, 2025, TJ planned the perfect proposal at Trail of Tears State Park, just the two of them, soaking in the most special moment. Afterward, they celebrated with a surprise engagement party surrounded by their loved ones, marking the beginning of their forever.

Bailey and TJ are beyond excited for their future and the life they have planned together. With faith as their foundation, they eagerly anticipate the blessings and adventures the Lord has in store for their life together.