Cole and I met in the fall of 2018 when we were both living in Charleston, South Carolina. On our first date, I ordered a beer, thinking it was the casual, "cool" thing to sip on with a guy, but come to find out Cole had a gluten allergy, and after me, ordered a vodka soda (MY drink of choice!). I wouldn't say it was love at first sight between the sports obsessed boy from Michigan and the Virginia girl who studied Art History.. but the conversation came easy and a second date was quickly made.

As crazy as it seems, we actually lived in the same apartment complex! So for our second date, I walked over to Cole's apartment where he cooked me a delicious dinner (I knew he could be a keeper after that!). We continued to find joy in each other's company, discovering that we had a lot more in common than meets the eye. We both love to travel and explore new places. When a new restaurant opens or I find a new recipe I want to try at home, Cole is always game. When sports aren't on, you can find us loving on Baby Yoda in the most recent Mandalorian episode or binging the newest murder mystery series on Netflix. We enjoy growing in our Faith together, doing devotionals and attending church, as a strong Christ-centered relationship has always been important to us.

Fast forward a year, we made our move to Charlotte, North Carolina. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit just three months after we arrived. We knew we had a solid relationship prior, but surviving quarantine together in a new city was the ultimate test! Thankfully, Cole welcomed his new at-home co-worker graciously and we were able to establish a routine quickly.

As many people believed this year, I thought quarantine was the perfect time to get a puppy. After many months of begging, Cole finally caved in early September. Now we have our little chow-chow mix, Boone, who we are so obsessed and in love with.

Cole proposed on December 10, 2020 in Charleston. We had talked about getting married and being engaged in the near future, but I had no idea he was going to propose that day. Finally when he was stalling our plans for the evening with a walk along the battery did I realize something was up... not only did he get down on one knee in one of the most picturesque places in the city, but he had invited both of our families to witness the moment and celebrate with us through the weekend! It was a time I will cherish forever.

Now planning a wedding, we are staying optimistic in the year 2021. We see a lot of positivity and excitement coming out of this year. I can’t imagine a better life partner and making it official on October 9 can’t come soon enough!