Our journey began when we connected on Hinge in November 2020 while we were both students at the University of Georgia. Because of the pandemic, I returned home to Virginia for Thanksgiving break to finish the semester. That's when we matched, sparking conversations that quickly became something special. How could this story get more 2020 you may ask? Well, we decided the best way to keep in touch was to Zoom. On our first of many Zoom calls we chatted, played virtual games, and got to know each other on a deeper level.

When January 2021 rolled around, I returned to Athens to start the spring semester. I knew that as soon as I returned I had to finally meet Hailey. So the day after I moved back on campus we met for the first time in-person at a local restaurant called “The Place” and from there our bond grew quickly from study dates, meeting friends, and also celebrating her 21st birthday. After taking her to a 21st birthday dinner, Hailey beat me to the punch and asked me what were we (convinced that I was never going to ask to this day) and I was eager to say that I wanted us to be officially boyfriend and girlfriend!

From that day on, I quickly fell in love with her as I got to know her and her introducing me to so many amazing things including food, my first experience going downtown in Athens, attending my first formal, and getting into sports. The more things she showed me the more I felt like I was living under a rock before we met. As the semester began to finish it was time for us to temporarily part ways while I returned home to help my family move back to Georgia. Although it was only for about a month it felt like it was going by slowly and I was ready to hit the road and see her again. By the time my family made it back to Georgia, Hailey and I set up a date in Atlanta to see the aquarium and explore Ponce City Market. The moment we reunited that day everything just felt right and was happy to be side by side with Hailey once again, even if it was only for the day.

The moment I knew that Hailey was the one was my final semester at UGA in fall 2021. It was the night of Hailey's sorority semi-formal. Although I wanted to attend, sadly, I had a midterm scheduled at the same time. Hearing so much about it and the beautiful sparkly dress she had picked, I was so sad that I could not see it myself. When I finished my midterm, I received a call from her while she was on her way back, telling me how the event was. After talking for a while she told me to head downstairs from my dorm and quickly realized that she had gone out of her way from the semi-formal to see me because she knew how badly I wanted to attend and see her dress in person. That moment made me realize how special of a woman Hailey is and that she was the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.

And in these past 2 and a half years, we have celebrated downtown, went on various adventures big and small, cheered on the Georgia Bulldogs through back-to-back national championships (Uhh hey Kirby when are we getting our National Championship rings?), and late-night talking on FaceTime.

In June after waiting an eternity for the government to give me a long awaited incentive bonus I was finally able to purchase the engagement ring. When it finally arrived I spent ages trying to plan out Hailey’s dream proposal coordinating with her friends and family to ensure everything was perfect. Then comes July – Hailey is in Athens spending the day with her family and roommate. After being at a brewery called “Creature Comforts” for a while her mom lured her down to the chapel bell on campus so that I could come out from where I was hiding out at the Herty Fountain to finally pop the question to Hailey! After a quick photoshoot, we celebrated back at Creature Comforts before leaving town that evening. Now we are excited to start this fantastic journey together, and we can't wait to share the love and fun with friends and family in this new chapter of our lives.