Our story actually begins back in 2015 at a mutual friend’s 16th birthday party. My friend (and now groomsman), Spencer, and I were playing corn hole in the backyard. After what felt like hours of playing, a beautiful blonde and her friend walked up ready to play. I found out the girl was named Claudia. After lots of small talk, Spencer and I won the corn hole game 21-0. Sorry Clauds.

The next day, at good ole Cherokee High School, I asked my friend for Claudia’s phone number where I officially asked her out on our first date. The date started off great! There was never a dull nor quiet moment between us two social butterflies. (However, Claudia did order a steak ‘well’ done.... That in itself might have been a deal breaker, but at that point, Claudia’s beautiful blue eyes had already captivated me.) Then came my choice for the movie.. and that's when things went downhill. I chose the movie Ted. What was I thinking? If you know Claudia, you know that she is truly an angel sent from above... and there I was picking the most vulgar and atrocious movie I could have ever chosen. Unfortunately for me, Claudia decided my movie choice for our first date night was my downfall.

Throughout the following years, we luckily stayed in touch here and there. But I feared Claudia had already made up her mind on me. (,:

It's true, the second Aaron chose Ted as our date night movie, I figured we were doomed. Little did I know!

We stayed in touch throughout the next 7 years, and I always secretly hoped I would see him in Athens or back at home. He looked like he was thriving, and truthfully, I couldn't get him out of my mind.

Then, in the early months of 2022, I was hanging out with one of my best friends, (and now bridesmaid), Rachel, in Atlanta. Rachel had recently started dating Chandler, one of Aaron’s best friends. After seeing a recent instagram post by Aaron showing off his gorgeous new puppy, Scrappy, I boldly asked Rachel to set up a double date with Chandler and Aaron, which was very out of character for me! Despite Aaron and I both not being 'city folk', we planned out our first date to Lady Bird in Midtown, Atlanta. And let me tell you, from the moment we saw each other, sparks flew and we have hardly been apart since. We both had a lot to catch up on that day, and we haven't stopped talking since.. haha.

I have truly found my best friend and my soul mate in one. Words cannot even begin to describe how excited I am to experience life with Aaron, and this is just the beginning! Aaron, thank you for choosing me, the day we met and every day after that. I love you.