Grace -- I can't believe you trusted me to write this.

As frustrating as it is for both of us, Grace and I can NOT remember when we first met. After being friends with zero intention of dating (much less getting married!) for 3 years, we uniquely have very little cute/special memories from any of our very first encounters. Multiple times we have gone back and forth with each other in an attempt to find that original conversation or encounter, but we are still unfortunately empty handed. All that I can remember is being a freshman in college at Tennessee living in Stokely Residence Hall, where at some point in time I encountered this little energizer bunny named Grace. She seemed to know everyone in that cafeteria. She seemed really fun. All that she seems to remember is "a 6'1 piece of handsome that seemed nearly perfect in every way. Super athletic. Lots of friends. Muscular. I knew he was the guy for me, but never thought I would have a chance". Her words, not mine. We were connected at some point, and it did not take long for our friendship to become special to me.

All throughout college our friendship continued to flourish, and it's so incredible to me that it all formed on the basis of us just genuinely loving spending time with each other. I really appreciated the way Grace seemed to chase after Jesus, and how she seemed so interested in the people He created. Even if there were not any clear feelings known to either of us at the time, I absolutely can see in retrospect so many signs of something more that existed between us. Why was I so willing to do her Spanish homework? Why did I bring her coffee to our accounting class in the mornings all the time? Why did I get so on edge when she started talking about going on dates? We even stopped casually saying "love you" to each other, because it started feeling different. It should have all been so clear, but it's never that easy I guess. Junior year I started the process to try and convince her to give me a chance (not an easy sell), and boom 5 months later we became boyfriend and girlfriend. I still get chills thinking about that day.

Grace moved to Nashville and I started working for our family business in Knoxville. Long-(ish) distance was not the most fun time ever for either of us, but it forced us to be creative and consistent in finding ways to love each other more like Jesus does. God used a healthy dose of change and a little bit of frustration & confusion to bring us closer together. He always finds a way when we choose to trust Him. Leaving Nashville to come home after seeing her made me more emotional after each time. Thoughts of a life together permanently became overwhelming, and a complex special ops mission to ask her parents for permission was in the works. They said yes :). December 2nd those thoughts became more of a reality when I proposed at Grace's Dad's house in Memphis. She said yes, and that's why you're here. It's time to celebrate!

Grace plain and simple makes me a better person, and makes me have fun while doing it. She has a unique ability to be both a calming and energizing force for me spiritually and socially. I love everything about her (except for her being late to things).We are so thankful for each of you, and are so excited to celebrate the plan that God has put into place for us.

Grace — I am not sure why God has blessed me so much with you, but I am the luckiest guy in the world to marry you. December 16th will be engraved on my soul forever, and I love you.

Nathan