Our story begins way before we even met each other. Our story is all about God's perfect plan for our lives when we had no idea what to do with our lives.

We were both still in high school trying to figure out where we wanted to end up at college. I (Gracie) had always wanted to come to UNA because of its close proximity to extended family. It would give me the "going away to college" feeling that every high schooler wanted, but it was also close enough to home that I could go home whenever I needed or wanted to. I grew up dancing and knew I wanted to continue dancing in college, so I auditioned for the Lionettes at UNA. I quickly made friends on the danceline and we started getting involved in the Baptist Campus Ministries. This ministry really helped guide me to develop a stronger relationship with the Lord and showed me the importance of being surrounded by like-minded believers.

This part of the story is where Dayne comes in. Dayne grew up in the Shoals area and never really thought about where he wanted to go until the spring semester of his senior year. On a whim, he applied to UNA and a random scholarship without his parents knowing. Once he got accepted at UNA and won the scholarship, he finally told his parents what he did. The first year of college for Dayne was quite different than mine. He did not really get involved into a whole lot of campus groups until our sophomore year. During our sophomore year, he started getting more involved with the BCM, so he started to be a familiar face that I recognized.

Flash forward to the Spring of 2021, we had two classes together and he was a familiar face, so we started helping each other out with homework and studying. The more we helped each other study, the more we got to know each other and develop a strong friendship. Overtime, we had a lot of the same friends, so we all kind of formed a friend group and began hanging out all of the time. Over the Summer of 2021, we began talking a lot more and hanging out while I was up in the Shoals for Lionette practice. By the end of the summer, Dayne decided to ask me to be his girlfriend and the rest is history!

Throughout our whole relationship, we have made it a point to create memories and special moments together. Whether that be making a gingerbread house, seeing the DWTS tour, or even just cooking together. We love spending quality time with one another and each other's family. Mr. Jeff and Mrs. Lori have made me feel so special and welcome in their family, and I know Dayne says the same thing about my parents.

Speaking of special moments, when Dayne proposed, he did it at the spot where we had our first "official" date: the old railroad bridge in Sheffield. He also proposed on his mom's birthday, which I think now makes her birthday and our engagement even more special. After he popped the question, I looked at the end of the bridge to see my parents and some of our very close friends cheering for us. We called his parents to tell them the good news, and little did I know what they had in store for us. They had planned a whole surprise engagement party without me knowing... and if you know me, it is very hard to surprise me. Just ask Dayne haha. When we got to the party, we were able to celebrate with all of our friends and family.

Now, moving on to the big day. We cannot wait to celebrate with each and everyone of our friends and family! We want to thank everyone who has had a part in our lives and our story. Without you, we would not be where we are today. We love and appreciate every one of you!

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