(picture above: Braley and Bobby after their grocery store date)

Like many good love stories, this one starts with a simple text from Bobby to a girl named Braley about her upcoming life plans in the summer of 2022. After three weeks of nonstop, flirtatious texting, Bobby and Braley knew that they had to see each other in person. Both starting new chapters of their lives, they landed in Boone for the summer. As soon as they both arrived, they met up. Where did they go? They, of course, went to Walmart. After a long grocery shopping trip and a cheesy pickup line about fruit, Bobby and Braley were set for their first date.

The week could not come fast enough. They were both so excited for their first date. It was a Thursday night and they made breakfast for dinner. After talking late until 1 a.m., they both knew they wanted to meet again.

After fifteen months of joy and love, it finally happened. It was a brisk Saturday morning in October. Braley thought that it was just going to be a day of hiking, eating, and watching Harry Potter, but she had no idea what was coming. Bobby had the whole day planned. They woke up early, drove to Banner Elk for breakfast, and then headed towards Tennessee to hike at Roan Mountain. As they stepped out of the car, all they could see was a white blanket of fog. Bobby was worried that his favorite view would not be seen, but was hopeful that the fog might clear. He silently repeated the prayer for the entire 30-minute duration of the hike, “Lord, Please take away this fog.” As they reached the mountaintop, they found the perfect spot to sit and be alone. Despite the fog, Bobby knew that it was time to pop the question. He reached into his bookbag, pulled out a love note that he had written for her, and read it aloud. 30 seconds into the letter, the fog started clearing as the mountains began to shine in the distance. He then got down on one knee to ask the big question. She, with a huge grin and shaking body, said, "yes!"

We are thankful for how the Lord has graciously brought us together and are thrilled that we get to love each other through it all. We are so thankful for all of our friends and family who love and support us. We cannot wait to celebrate this special day!