In the spring of 2022, Dane walked, or rather hobbled, into Claire’s life. While on a climbing trip with some of Claire's closest friends, a boulder broke loose & crushed both of Dane’s feet. Bonded by the mishap and impressed with his character, Claire’s friend group welcomed Dane with open arms and he quickly became a frequent visitor to her college home. Who would have guessed that the casts that bound Dane would become the ties that bind this couple, and that one small misadventure would turn into the greatest adventure of their lives.

During the summer of 2022 Claire stayed in Waco with her friends, Abby and Eliana, while Dane went to work at Pine Cove summer camp. Fourth of July came around & Claire’s childhood best friend, Rowan, came to visit Waco. Dane made it back to Waco for the weekend and made a quick stop by. When Rowan asked who Dane was, Claire’s friends jokingly responded “Claire’s future husband”… little did they know!

Then came the fall of 2022. With a very well established friendship, the two continued to spend time together as the friend group all came back to Waco for the new school year. This would be the start of Claire’s senior year & Dane’s junior year. As time passed, Dane asked Claire on a date. The pair went up to Dallas for the day to visit an art exhibit based on each book of the Bible and then went out to dinner, the first of many meals together. Claire confided in her friends that night that it was the best date she had ever been on.

Spring 2023 rolled around and with it brought Claire and Dane’s blossoming relationship. This time brought many road-trips to Colorado, California, and the Gulf shores, filled with long conversations and lots of laughter. They often woke early to watch the sunrise together over a good cup of coffee, being one of their simplest shared joys. They went hiking in Austin, explored Waco, and spent many hours getting work done at their favorite coffee shop, Pinewood. Springtime revealed to them a shared passion for cooking, long walks, playing games, and spending time outdoors.

The end of this semester brought Claire’s graduation from Baylor, and shortly thereafter Dane traveled to India where he would live for the summer. Many phone calls and hand written letters gave them a glimpse of what communication would look for the many months of long-distance to come. In August, the pair spent a treasured 24 hours together before Claire moved to Cincinnati to begin pursuing her masters degree.

Their time spent apart, though difficult, deepened Claire and Dane’s relationship and brought them closer than ever despite the distance.

On January 5, 2024, Dane asked Claire to marry him back in the town where their relationship began over a year before. Like that fateful day that brought Dane and Claire together in the first place, the pair spent this special day surrounded and celebrated by their closest friends.

Claire and Dane eagerly look forward to sharing their love for each other in front of their community, and in front of God, who has been a steadfast foundation of their relationship at their wedding on October 6th, 2024.

Hope to see you there!