It all began one day in June of 2021…

It was when Covid-19 was still a large part of everyone’s lives, but Chris & I were individually starting to feel like maybe it was safe to consider dating again. We each felt like Eharmony was a safe place to start dating as it would allow time to get to know someone online before meeting in person, & allow time for Covid restrictions to lessen a little. We “talked” for a few weeks online, & then we decided to make the big step to talk on the phone. I still remember the place I was sitting in my house when I talked with Chris on the phone for the first time, how easy it was to talk to him, & how he made me laugh. By the end of July we thought it would be good to meet in person. So, we chose a park in Newnan, GA (the neutral halfway point) to meet on a very hot & humid day. Despite both of us being a little nervous, we had a good enough time to think it was worthwhile having a second date. We continued to talk on the phone & a few weeks later had a second date. In trying to figure out where would be a good “safe” place given Covid-19 precautions, I thought it would be a great idea to go kayaking (as I love all things related to the water). Chris had never kayaked before but said he was up for it. (You might want to ask him more details about that experience when you get a chance. 😊) Obviously it went well enough that we continued seeing each other. 😉

As time continued, there were many long phone conversations & trips to & from Columbus & Atlanta. We were both up front with each other from the beginning that we weren’t sure that either one of us could guarantee that we would be willing to move if this worked out, but we wanted to give it a chance to find out. Soon, traveling “over 100 miles” (as Chris is famous for saying) didn’t seem long at all, & we started doing more & more together including meeting each other’s family & attending church together when we were able. As our love & respect for each other grew we began to realize that we had something very special.

Fast forward to about 2 ½ years later from that initial conversation, Chris got down on one knee & asked me to marry him on New Year's Eve 2023 at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA (near Columbus). I excitedly said yes! - bringing us to where we are today, planning for our wedding on July 20, 2024. We look forward to you joining us in the celebration of what God has done in our lives in bringing us together & what He will continue to do in our marriage. Love, Chris & Julie