Every Fourth of July, Claire and JR would spend their time at their beloved friends, the Stelter's, lake house in good ole' Butts County, Georgia. Many summers went by with simple hi and byes. It wasn't until summer of 2019 when Claire's high school best friend, Sophie Stelter, could not make the trip but the Stelter family was insistent Claire still came to keep the tradition alive. While exchanging hugs and hellos, JR sat on the couch frozen with contemplation on if he should say hello and hug her as well. Claire took initiative and greeted him by calling him by his least favorite name, "Junior". JR to this day says Claire is the only one he likes to hear that name come from. Simple hi and byes quickly turned into a best friendship, but they knew their time together was fleeting as summer was coming to an end and college was starting up again.

Claire and JR stayed friends for several months following but remained in close contact, talking everyday. It wasn't until October of 2019 when they made things official. From there, it was cherishing every moment together as long distance between UT and Auburn made time together limited. Following their college graduations, JR and Claire settled in their new home, Nashville, Tennessee and JR proposing to Claire on her 24th birthday after hiding the engagement ring for almost 2 years while waiting for long distance to be over. JR and Claire couldn't be more excited for this long awaited day and can't wait to celebrate with everyone that loves them so dearly!