Our story began on March 26th, 2021

A devastating tornado hit our hometown, and in the aftermath, I wanted to help in any way I could – volunteering to clean up, passing out water bottles, and offering support to those affected. I posted a Snapchat asking for help, and that’s when Duncan, being the selfless, giving, and caring person he is, offered a hand without hesitation. That was the first time we officially met, as we both worked together to serve our community during such a difficult time.

The very next day, we both found ourselves at the same gym, at the same time – even though we had both been members for years and had never noticed each other before. It felt like the universe was trying to bring us together, and little did we know, this was just the beginning.

As we spent more time together, we began to realize we had actually been around each other for years without even realizing it. We were from the same hometown, attended the same church, and ran in the same circles, yet our paths had never crossed until it was God’s perfect timing.

A week later, we were both at Panama City Beach for spring break, staying just minutes apart. During that trip, we spent hours talking and getting to know one another better. Duncan learned about my love for Dunkin' Donuts and made his first move by showing up with coffee at a little restaurant I was at with my friend. From that moment on, our connection deepened, and we realized that we shared something truly special. To this day, whenever we visit Panama City Beach, we make it a point to visit that same restaurant, where our story really began.

It was clear that the universe had a way of pulling us back together. We started working out together almost every day, finding any excuse to spend time with each other. One day, while at the gym, Duncan asked me to dinner , which would be our first date, at Jim N’ Nicks.

Despite all the time we spent together, I was convinced for two months that we were just friends. I even told my sisters about Duncan, and they quickly told me how foolish I was for not dating him.

On May 26th, 2021, Duncan asked me to be his girlfriend, and from that moment on, the rest is history. We started dating as high school juniors, me at 16 and Duncan at 17, and we have watched each other grow and evolve into the people we are today. From high school sweethearts to college sweethearts, we have celebrated countless milestones – from attending each other’s senior proms to watching each other graduate high school. Together, we have experienced so much joy, and we have always been each other’s biggest supporters.

A summer after graduation, we made the decision to get a puppy, and she quickly became the center of our little world. Our sweet fur baby has brought even more love and joy into our lives, completing our little family in the most perfect way.

Some of our favorite moments together include lake weekends, exploring new places, trying out new coffee shops, working out together, and cozy movie nights. And most recently, we have taken the next big step in our journey by purchasing land and starting to build our very first home together.

We truly are each other's better half. Our love feels like the kind of love you see in movies, the kind of love that fills your heart to the brim. Life with each other feels like a dream come true.

We keep the Lord at the center of our relationship, and we cannot wait to continue this beautiful adventure together, hand in hand, for the rest of our lives.