As most of you know, Brooke and Peyton’s story goes way back. Peyton came to Loyd Star in 3rd grade where he was in the same class as Brooke. Both will admit that they had a bit of a crush then, but they quickly became nothing more than each other’s biggest competition! From 3rd grade until 7th grade, the only interactions they had were comparing grades or playing football on the playground. Then, Brooke heard it was going around school that Peyton was going to ask her to be his girlfriend on a random day in May of 2017 (7th grade). Brooke was nervous, so when it happened she said not yet. She agreed to just “talk” and get to know each other better. From that day until now the talking has never stopped! They texted and called all day every day the entire summer and realized how much they had in common. During this time, Peyton told Brooke that he loved her and would marry her one day. Peyton wanted to ask her to be his girlfriend but waited until he could see her in person. On the first day of 8th grade (August 4, 2017), Peyton finally got his chance at the back to school party, and this time Brooke answered with “absolutely”! 
Pictured below is the moment Peyton and Brooke became boyfriend and girlfriend.



The first year was spent still texting everyday and never missing a good morning or goodnight text. They only really spent time together at school or school events. Outside of school they had a few group hangouts with friends. Brooke learned to be a band girlfriend, and Peyton learned to be a softball boyfriend. They were crazy about each other and everyone knew it.

The second year was probably one of the best years for Brooke and Peyton. They started spending more time together and going to each other’s houses. Peyton got his license, and called Brooke’s parents for permission to take her on their first official date to dinner and a movie in July of 2019. The best part of this year for them was going to church camp together. They grew so much closer to God separately and together, and Lake Junaluska, NC is still a special place for them.

During their third year dating, Brooke began playing soccer, so that is how they spent most of their time. This was also the year Covid hit which brought some problems for the two. For a couple months they did not see each other, and it made them both very sad. Eventually they began what they called “6 foot apart dates”. They mostly kayaked, fished, and rode four wheelers. When school started back in the fall, Brooke returned to school, and Peyton stayed home and took his classes online. Brooke hated school without Peyton.


The fourth year was full of continuing to grow up together, and they never stopped falling more and more in love. During this year, they spent lots of time hunting together and playing with all their dogs. Peyton gave Brooke a promise ring for Christmas, and she never took it off until she got an engagement ring. Peyton did not miss a single softball game of Brooke’s. They went to their first prom and loved getting all dressed up together. Brooke had jaw surgery and was not much fun the whole summer, but Peyton still spent as much time as he could with her. 


The fifth year was their senior year and one of their favorite years. They spent celebrating their lasts of high school and looking forward to the firsts of college. Senior prom is one of their favorite memories. Together they went on vacation to Disney, the beach, Gatlinburg, Lake Junaluska, and Universal Studios. They graduated valedictorian and salutatorian, and it is one of their biggest accomplishments as a couple!

In their 6th year dating, Peyton and Brooke both started college at Mississippi State University. This year they made more memories than all the other years combined. This was a big transition in life where they had to figure out school and life not living at home, but they did it together. They made lots of new friends together and separately. They played a lot of disc golf and golf together. They both grew up and changed a lot during this year, but they also learned they never want to live a day without the other!

The 7th year of Brooke and Peyton dating was just as fun as the others. They spent as much time together as they could outside of school and work. Peyton turned 21 during this year, got his first internship (Nissan), and bought a car. Brooke spent the summer working and joking with Peyton asking for a ring. Because Peyton bought a car, Brooke was convinced it would be a while before he bought a ring. (Little did she know he already had it.)

Peyton and Brooke both agree that the 8th year has been the best one so far! For their 7th anniversary, Brooke asked Peyton if he would plan their anniversary date. He took this perfect opportunity to make it a date to remember. August 4, 2024 began with Brooke and Peyton attending church together. Next, they ate a quick lunch and went to watch a movie in Brookhaven. After that, Peyton drove Brooke to one of her favorite restaurants about an hour away. Their food was amazing, but Peyton did not eat hardly anything. Brooke did not think anything about it and was just ready for the next part of the date. Peyton kept every part of the date a secret until they arrived. Next, they took a horse carriage ride in Natchez. They got dropped off at a pretty park where Peyton walked Brooke to her engagement set up! Brooke had no idea until the moment she saw the set up. Obviously, Brooke said yes, and the two of them love this new stage of their relationship. The next day Peyton began a co-op, and Brooke had to go to MSU for the first time without Peyton. So far they are spending this year planning their wedding, missing each other when apart, and learning how to be Uncle Peyton and Aunt Brooke to their perfect niece, Piper! Peyton nor Brooke can wait for the day they officially become husband and wife!