In February 2019, our paths crossed at Liberty University through a mutual friend when Carter was visiting LU for cfaw (he was thinking about transferring from VCU). My friend talked so highly of him and when I met him I was so nervous and jittery! I thought he was soooo cute. Turns out he felt the same. After our initial meetup we didn’t see each other again until August, Carter began trying to talk to me soon after we met and we really got to know each other as great friends in the summer of 2019. As our friendship developed, we fell in love. Carter messaged me in July asking I wanted to meet for coffee in August and he drove from Nova to Mudhouse a little coffee shop in Charlottesville to take me on my first official date. I played it cool with my family since I was so nervous but we talked for HOURS and both knew that something was super special about the other person. I remember how excited I was about the prospect of dating him. Carter asked me to be his girlfriend August 23, 2019. My first and only boyfriend, I am so thankful to God for bringing us to be together! We are better together. It has been so beautiful walking with each other through so many life changes over the past few years: college, graduation, and post grad life with jobs. We have been long distance for two years now, so I can’t wait for that to end soon here.

Our shared faith in the Lord has been the bedrock on which our love has flourished. God has grown us separately over the years, while also joining us together - we are so grateful for the joy found in him. We can’t wait to serve him together, for the rest of our lives.

Throughout our journey, the Lord has been the unwavering foundation of our relationship. Our faith and belief in Him have guided us, strengthened us, and given us a shared purpose that has truly enriched our love story.

As we will stand in front of all of you, ready to embark on this new chapter as husband and wife, we do so with the knowledge that the Lord will continue to be the cornerstone of our relationship. We will seek to honor Him through our actions, love and support each other as He loves and supports us, and build a life together that reflects His grace and blessings, no matter the trials we may face.

On June 3, 2023 I went on a hike with two of my siblings Zach and Lexi. At the top of the mountain (Cole Mountain) Carter asked me to marry him (I was very surprised!!) and I said yes to forever, with adrenaline flowing through every inch of my body. I “blacked out as they say” so I am thankful it was all recorded. Oh what a beautiful day that was to remember.

God had been so faithful to us. From the moment we met at CFAW in 2019 to now, we’ve been carried in the arms of our kind Father. How sweet and beautiful it is to walk in love because he first loved us.

Thank you to all who have walked through this journey with us. Here’s to the beginning of a lifelong partnership forever and ever!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you <3!

<3 Carter & Avery