Our friend, Hannah Morris, had the idea to set us up in July of 2024. Though we were both a little hesitant, we eventually decided to get dinner. We had our first date on August 4th at Doughbird in Green Hills. We ended up talking over pizza for 2 hours and planned to hang out again very soon. We both felt so comfortable with each other and our conversation was so natural. A great first date!

Our first real picture was taken together. This weekend was extra special for us. We had officially started dating, and Mary Charles' parents came to visit and meet John for the first time. We got to know each other over a great steak dinner. Unbeknownst to Mary Charles, this is the weekend when John knew she was the one.

Mary Charles' friends came to town this weekend to meet John! This was the night we first discussed getting married. John had planned to do it a few weeks later, but he couldn't help himself. In all of the fun, John said he would get a dog with Mary Charles. She's loved reminding John about this moment ever since.

Our first football game together, Tennessee vs. Mississippi State! Mary Charles got to meet John's friends this weekend!

John suprised Mary Charles with a "secret date", as John calls them, to look at Christmas lights. Honorable mention: John planned a secret date where he took Mary Charles to a book store so they could both pick out a new book and read together all day.

We just love this photo! At the time this picture was taken, John had his plan for how he wanted to ask MC to marry him.

The first step of this plan was for John to drive to Georgia to meet Mr. Bounds for lunch. Can you imagine a more fitting scene for John to ask for his blessing at a Chilis?

The day we got engaged! :)