Tyler and I met our freshmen year at The University of Georgia at the Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM). Though I don’t remember the first time we met, I do remember randomly sitting by each other at the Tate student center movie theater, where a group of BCM freshmen gathered to watch Monsters University, and this made me giddy. We really got to know each other our sophomore year at UGA, when we were part of the same worship band at UGA BCM. Tyler was very attentive, a great listener, and quickly expressed his feelings for me. It took my heart a bit of time to catch up, but I knew what a kind and caring soul he was and saw the potential for the man he would grow to be.

Tyler and I dated into our junior year at UGA and then went our separate ways. We both had some growing up to do, and I broke things off knowing it was best for both of us to be apart. We never fully lost touch, as we both continued to lead worship on Sunday mornings at Briarwood Baptist Church. I graduated from UGA in 2017 and moved back to metro Atlanta for PA school. Tyler stayed in Athens and made a career within the Chick-fil-A Athens franchise. We continued to cross paths through mutual friends, but in 2022, things began to change. Tyler asked me on several dates, and our relationship quickly took off. The principles and qualities that he had at age 20 were still there, and there was so much more I was learning and admiring about the man he had become. Tyler and I have loved dating again. We enjoy dining in downtown Woodstock, kayaking, hiking, and attending concerts together. Though I often teased him about the length of time he took to propose, the timing of the proposal could not have been better. After a difficult year for both of us, we are thankful we have had each other to lean on and cannot wait to be husband and wife. I love you, Donald Tyler Ray Garmany!

I don’t remember Caroline sitting next to me at the Tate theater, but I remember when I first noticed her at a mutual friend’s townhouse in Athens. At the time I thought a long haired, mountain man like me would never have a chance with someone as beautiful as her, but by gosh I could be her friend. That friendship quickly ballooned into us dating and then me feeling crushed when she broke things off with me. Looking back, that was the best thing that could have happened, as that pushed me to become a better man.

We never lost contact with each other because we both have excellent taste in friends. After a while I found the courage to reach back out and ask her on a date. That turned into more, and that led to me leaving Athens to take a new job that would allow me to relocate to Cherokee County, primarily so that I could be closer to this incredible woman. This past year has been one of many challenges: multiple medical issues, and the tragic passing of my little sister. Caroline has been by my side every step of the way, and has helped me through one of the toughest years of my life. I truly don’t know how I would have done it without her. Caroline is the greatest thing to ever happen to me, short of the grace of God.

I cannot wait to marry you, Caroline Megan Hutcherson. I might not have long hair anymore (or any hair for that matter), but this mountain man loves you.