Thomas always dreamed of a spicy Colombian who knew her way around mountains, and Kat always imagined an outdoorsy Southern boy who could dance like a Latino. They each tried their different “types of pizza” over the years… only to wind up circling right back to South Carolina.

Their adventurous spirits were aligned from the beginning. For years, both prayed for a partner who loved God, loved the outdoors, travel, people, family, and a little bit of salsa on the dance floor.

In August 2021, those prayers quietly crossed paths when they met at Thomas’s church in Denver, Colorado. They immediately hit it off—both Clemson grads, with a heart for Young Life, and a love for traveling. But Thomas was living in Denver, Kat was about to move to Costa Rica, and neither of them was available to date. So nothing came from that day except a simple Instagram follow.

Fast-forward a year. Kat (Mama Laura, don’t read this part) sent Thomas a direct message on Instagram inviting him to visit Costa Rica. As they chatted, they realized they both happened to be going to Clemson for the NC State game in October 2022. Thomas asked Kat out and took her on a Pizza Picnic at Paris Mountain—until they realized they were locked inside the state park. Their first test. They made it out, ended the night laughing, but neither was convinced long-distance was the plan.

Time passed. More pizza was sampled. And in February 2023, they ran into each other in Breckenridge, Colorado—another coincidence they shrugged off as “interesting timing,” but still nothing came of it. Thomas stayed in Denver, Kat stayed in Costa Rica, and life went on.

Then came October 2024. Kat was curious what Mr. T was up to and once again bravely sent him a direct message—this time to congratulate him on his sister’s wedding. And this time…the spark stuck. Thomas, the gentleman he is, asked to call her. Three and a half hours later, it was clear their lives were more aligned than back in 2022. Thomas was moving back East. Kat was open to change.

They realized they’d both be home for Thanksgiving and going to the Clemson–Carolina game, so they decided to spend the whole weekend together and see what would happen. Cue the longest 48-hour second date ever.

Kat drove to Charleston to meet Thomas’s family, eat leftover Thanksgiving, play pickleball, and then drive four hours to Clemson to stay at the Outdoor Lab. Nerves were high. The weekend was full of meeting friends and family and sharing Clemson memories while walking through campus.

Everything felt good, but they were still trying to figure out where their hearts were. On the drive back to Charleston, over a lunch stop heart-to-heart, they shared what they wanted for their futures. Their dreams lined up. Then Thomas asked Kat what she saw for the relationship (he was setting her up), and she responded, “Well…I think we should try long distance and see what happens?” Thomas laughed, “Did you just ask me to be your boyfriend?” And Kat replied, “Well, how else did you want me to answer?” They wrapped the weekend by planning a New Year’s trip to Costa Rica.

New Year’s came, and tour-guide Kat showed Thomas all around the Golden Coast. Somewhere between the sunsets, ocean swims, and mountain trails, they fell in love.

Over the next year, long-distance became a joy—full of travel between the States and Costa Rica, getting to know each other’s families, and building something real. God wove this season beautifully: from Kat tearing her ACL while skiing in Steamboat (which gave her a month of recovery in South Carolina) to adventures across the East Coast, Colorado, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. It was a year of intentional prayer, refinement, and clarity—God guiding their hearts to a place of deep peace and readiness for marriage.

On November 1, 2025, Thomas closed the deal at sunrise—7 a.m. on Lake Hartwell at the Clemson Outdoor Lab. A perfect morning in a place woven into their story, surrounded by their closest family and friends.

God has been intricately weaving this story from the very beginning, preparing both of their hearts for such a time as this. They are in awe of how the Lord has brought them together and cannot wait to build a life rooted in faith, joy, adventure, and love.

Since they fell in love in Las Catalinas, choosing to get married where it all began felt right. Their time living in Costa Rica shaped them deeply, and it means the world to share this special place with the people they love most. And for those who can’t make the trip, they’ll be celebrating again in the States so they can hug everyone.

God is good, and we are so grateful for the love, support, and prayers as they step into this new season together.

We love you all!