We met for the first time in our 6th grade homeroom class and eventually started becoming friends through our mutual participation in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). After a meeting one morning where Brittany led worship, James made sure to let her know that she sounded great and that he also could play the guitar. Brittany said that she would love to get some tips!

This kickstarted a friendship that continued to develop over the next few years as our lives overlapped through school, friend groups, summer swim team meets, and friends telling us that we really should start dating.

Sophomore year of high school, one of Brittany’s friends let James know that if he asked her to homecoming, she would say yes. A few (very anxious) days later, he did, and she laughed and said yes. Our homecoming together was exactly as awkward as you would expect. Somehow, Brittany didn’t completely write James off, and they continued to go on a few dates throughout the rest of the school year (and James used chemistry homework as an excuse to FaceTime her).

Over the summer, both of us were gone quite a bit, and we realized that we ended up missing each other – a lot. James finally asked Brittany to be his girlfriend, and she responded, “Can I talk to my parents first?”. After making him sweat it until the next day, she told him yes on August 18th, 2019.

The Lord continued to watch over us as we navigated the challenges of high school dating, and eventually college and long distance. Brittany attended the University of Alabama, and James went to Mississippi State University. Our relationship continued to grow, and once James’ friends realized that yes, Brittany was not a fictional character, they started asking when he was going to propose.

After long months of planning and convincing Brittany that wearing a piece of jewelry wouldn’t kill her, James took her back to the same park where he had asked her to be his girlfriend almost six years before. He got down on one knee, and on June 13th, 2025, she said yes (and didn’t even need to check with her parents first).

We are so grateful for the roles that each of you have played in our lives and our relationship with each other! We cannot wait to celebrate the Lord’s goodness and work in our lives with you exactly one year later on June 13th, 2026!