It was October 18, 2020 when a coworker invited Franklin to watch the Panthers game with her and some college friends. (This coworker, Lizzy, had lived in Katie's college apartment building at App State). He met them at a place that will always be part of our story: Tavern on the Tracks (see Things To Do for the full vibe).

Over toasted ravioli and beer towers they talked and quickly realized there was chemistry. Over the next few months they kept showing up with the same group, always checking if the other would be there.

Then, the day came where Katie finally said yes to being his girlfriend. They grew and matured together, meeting each other’s friends and families—who all approved.

It’s no surprise Katie’s apartments in Charlotte kept getting closer to Franklin’s until they eventually decided to move in together in December 2024.

While Franklin had been thinking about it for a while, the day finally came: on a beautiful Sunday morning, August 10, 2025, he proposed to Katie outside of the historic courthouse in downtown Hendersonville, NC.

And so here we are—if you’re reading this, you’re someone truly special to us and we cannot wait to celebrate with you!

Love, Katie and Franklin