It all started in 2019 at a birthday party in Charlotte, North Carolina for their mutual friend (groomsman Jack Newsom). In true party fashion, Haylie was there having a good time, and so was Jared, who was probably talking sports (which, spoiler alert, he does a lot). Little did they know, this party would mark the beginning of something that would keep them crossing state lines for the next several years.

They hit it off right away. There was that easy, comfortable connection that made it feel like they’d known each other forever—like they’d already spent hours talking about everything and nothing. By the end of the night, they were exchanging numbers (aka Snapchats) and planning the next time to see each other. And within just two months, Haylie was already planning another road trip to North Carolina to see Jared. Who moves that fast? Apparently, Haylie and Jared do.

That trip was the one where it all clicked. After a weekend of laughs, some serious conversations, Haylie throwing a rib at her first Mabarak family dinner, and plenty of time spent just enjoying each other’s company, they decided to make it official. Cue the long-distance relationship.

While Haylie was studying psychology at Mississippi State University, Jared was off at LR (Lenior Rhyne University) getting his degree in Finance and playing college lacrosse—all four years—because if you're going to do something, might as well go all in, right? Their relationship survived through countless weekend roadtrips. And somehow, they managed to make it work even though they were separated by 542 miles. Their shared love of sports, concerts, and of course, Haylie’s obsessive need to watch every LR lacrosse game, even remotely, which kept the bond strong.

Fast forward to 2022. Haylie graduated from MSU with her degree in psychology, and Jared graduated with a degree in Finance from LR. You’d think this would be the end of the long-distance saga. But in a plot twist only this couple could pull off, Haylie decided to pursue graduate studies in I-O psychology at Middle Tennessee State University, while Jared packed his bags and headed to Clearwater, Florida to start his first job at Ameri-life Insurance.

So, how’s that for a plot twist? They kept the long-distance thing going for another year. Not ideal, but when you know you’ve found someone worth the effort, you make it work. And work they did, spending holidays together, planning visits, and squeezing in quality time every chance they got.

Then in 2023, it happened—Jared moved to Tennessee. Finally, they were in the same state, in the same time zone, no more long airport goodbyes. They settled into life in Tennessee, quickly falling in love with the southern charm, the culture, and of course, the easy access to Nashville. Between the music, food, and weekends spent exploring, they found their rhythm.

In May 2024, Haylie graduated with her master’s in I-O psychology, and in July, the couple moved downtown to Nashville to take on the next chapter of their lives. With new jobs, new adventures, and a whole new city to explore, they were finally living life exactly as they’d dreamed.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better… on September 13, 2024, Jared popped the question. They were in Nashville, enjoying the city they’d come to love, when he asked Haylie to marry him. And, of course, she said yes!

Fortunately, they had a 10-day trip to Europe that October they were able to celebrate during, savoring every moment of their engagement and making unforgettable memories abroad. The proposal was the cherry on top of an already incredible adventure, but their journey has only just begun.

Now, they’re gearing up for their wedding and hoping you’ll be there to celebrate as they take the next big step. After everything they’ve been through—from Charlotte to Nashville and everywhere in between—they’re ready to say “I do” and settle down in the city they love.

We can't wait to see you there!