Our story began during my sophomore year at Samford. I had recently met a friend who worked at Shades Mountain Baptist who invited me to start serving in the 4th and 5th grade ministry on Wednesday nights. At the time, I was attending Shades and was looking for opportunities to get more involved so I signed up and showed up the following Wednesday night. That first night, I briefly met the kids ministry team including Erin. The first time I met her, I assumed she must have been much older than me because of her professional look and quickly assumed she was way out of my league! A couple weeks later, I started up a conversation with Erin and to my surprise, she was just a year ahead of me in college. Over the next few weeks, I got to see Erin’s giftings on display as she played with and ministered to the kids in the ministry. After weeks of getting to know Erin, I was amazed at the maturity and intentionality she had. One night soon after, I built up the courage and sent her a text about something that had happened earlier that night and after that one text we were texting nonstop! Shortly after, I asked Erin if she wanted to go study in the library and, though we did not get much school work done, I was able to secure a date. Our first date was November 14th, 2024, which led to many more dates until I asked Erin to be my girlfriend on December 11th, 2024. I didn’t know then that the next year and a half would make up the best part of my life so far. On May 3rd, 2026, I somehow pulled off an incredible surprise (thanks to help from many others!) and asked Erin to spend the rest of her life with me.

Our story began during my junior year of college as I was serving in my church's children's ministry. Early on in the semester, I had been told that a new leader would be joining us to serve at midweek with the 4th and 5th grade boys. I remember my team speaking highly of this new leader named Carson and highlighting his eagerness to serve in the ministry. A few weeks later, he began to serve during midweek and it was not long before I took a liking to him. Not only did I think he was very cute, but his natural leadership skills, his energetic and fun demeanor, and his kindness stuck out to me. After a few weeks serving in the children's ministry, my coworker asked me if I was interested in Carson. I laughed and told her that he was a catch but I’d bet he already had a girlfriend. Following this conversation, Carson and I began to chat as we were playing with the kids at church. He eagerly asked me questions about myself and I realized we had a lot to relate to. I remember realizing that I didn't feel nervous to talk to him (which was big for me). Shortly after, he texted me and asked me if I would come study in the library with him at Samford. I, of course, said yes and we definitely distracted each other more than we actually did our homework. At the end of the night, as we were leaving the library, Carson confidently asked me to go on a date with him. Our relationship officially began shortly after as he asked me to be his girlfriend on December 11th, 2024. Dating Carson has been nothing short of a gift. He has pushed me closer towards Jesus as he has trusted the Lord in every detail. Carson is steady because he trusts in the character of the Lord. On May 3rd, 2026, Carson pulled off the best surprise and proposed at one of our favorite lookouts, Crest Road, in Birmingham, Alabama.