Some love stories begin with a spark.

This one began outside Rolf’s Hall—with a little strategy, some social media sleuthing, and one very patient bench.

Back in August 2021, Elanie and Case were both involved at the University of Florida with big dreams and big faith. Elanie, also knowing of Case but trying her hand at hard to get… decided to give him a chance. After months of back and forth chatting off and on, Elanie finally moved to Gainesville, Florida and was open to entertain the idea of Case.

So, naturally, Elanie took matters into her own hands (or rather, onto her own bench). Sitting outside Rolf’s Hall like it was all perfectly casual, she waited. And, by the grace of Gator fate—or maybe just a “well-timed” schedule—Case’s prayers were answered as he happened to be walking out of Rolf’s Hall right into Elaine’s sight.

Case, who’d been hoping for a run-in, was excited to see her in real life (and not just through the Instagram lens). Star struck by her beauty, he mustered up the courage to ask her to lunch that day. Spoiler alert: this won’t be the last time she’ll say yes!

They started their relationship out on the right foot with a first date at the legendary hole in the wall Gainesville great - Gumby’s Pizza. The cheesy goodness must have set them on the right track because from that moment on, they were inseparable.

Between services at church, cheering on Gator sports of all kinds and a shared love for the kitchen (Case mainly cooks and Elanie expertly taste-tests and offers professional-level compliments to his fancy meals), they built a relationship with a foundation built on their Faith and a love for spending quality time together.

Fast forward to June 1, 2025, when Case proposed in what will soon be their very first home together—a space where faith, fun and Gator game replays will fill every room.

From a “chance” bench encounter to forever—Elanie and Case’s story was entirely meant to be!