This was the day we officially became a couple! We were at a Smokies game celebrating Riley's 21st birthday with his family. He thought all day on how to ask her to be his girlfriend. He did it later that night, not very smoothly, but it worked. Six years later the rest is history and it's a memory that makes us laugh!

Not even a year into dating, the world shut down with a global pandemic. This changed plans for everyone in 2020, including Kacey's senior year of high school. Classes were canceled, graduation postponed, and prom wasn't going to happen. However, with some help from our families, he was able to host our own prom! We had prom in Riley's backyard and it was just as special as a normal prom (maybe even more special!). Over the course of the pandemic we enjoyed spending the extra time together. We had lots of picnics, did puzzles, watched movies, and more!

The next year, we enjoyed a beach vacation to Charleston with Kristen, Austin, and Garrett. Kacey showed Riley some of her favorite restaurants and places she went to with her family growing up. We have enjoyed beach trips to Hilton Head, Folly Beach, Charleston, Pensacola, and Fripp Island.

If you know Riley Thomas, you also know one of the biggest Tennessee football fans in Knoxville. Over the years we have experienced numerous special sporting events together, including Tennessee's win over Florida in 2022. The atmosphere, tailgating, and of course the action on the field was fantastic. Riley showed Kacey how much fun UT sports are and you can always find us in Neyland or hosting a party for our friends every Saturday in the fall. Go Vols!

We went on a trip of a lifetime to Europe the summer of '23. We celebrated Riley graduating with his Master's degree, Mallory graduating high school, and an early graduation from undergrad for Kacey. We went on a cruise to several spots in Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Montenegro. As foodies, we absolutely loved trying all kinds of tasty things overseas. This picture is from one of our favorite spots in Santorini, Greece.

Some of Kacey's favorite childhood memories are from camping as a kid. Riley had never had the pleasure of camping, so of course Kacey, Kristen, and Austin took the city boy camping. We really enjoyed being in the mountains and just enjoying the phone-free time with each other and friends. We love introducing the other to new things and showing one another what we enjoyed doing growing up. Camping has now become a yearly tradition and something we look forward to every fall!

The first time Kacey and Riley went to Disney together was six months into dating. Fun fact, we spent our first New Years together in Disney! Disney is one of our favorite vacation spots and we have been back several times since that first trip together. This photo is from their latest trip when the we went on spring break of '24.

By this time, Kacey and Riley had experienced four graduations together! This photo was taken at Kacey's undergrad graduation from UT. We have seen each other through lots of school, job changes, and more!

Riley made it official and proposed in downtown Knoxville right after Christmas! What Kacey thought was a normal date night quickly turned into the sweetest surprise! He had it all planned out and made it the most special moment. The beginning of our forever started in this moment!