The first few years I was in college, probably from about 2020-22, my sweet love used to drive the hour to Anderson, pick me up from my dorm, and drive me all the way home. We would spend as much time as we could together and then, like clockwork, he would take me back Sunday night after church. I would cry when he dropped me off and hold him in my arms for as long as I could. Sometimes when it was really hard, my love would just drive us around or buy me groceries, allowing me to take my time and say goodbye to him until the next weekend. We couldn't do this every weekend, but it was most of them. This picture was taken in 2023 on one of his visits to see me after I had gotten my own car when he grabbed two pennies from his pocket for us to make a wish in one of the fountains on main street. I never told him what I wished for, but I can say it now. I wished that we would remain in God's will and, Lord willing, that we would be together forever.

On our wedding day we take our first step into this forever. <3

Oh I'm going to get it for this picture!

This is one of our favorite memories together, or at least as far as I can speak for both of us. My sweet Chris had a day off of work after some 12 days straight, and we had been wanting to go kayaking for so long. Hailing from Clemson University, Chris took me to the old recreation center where he used to go kayaking and swimming as a student. We rented some hammocks, paddles, life jackets, and a two-person kayak then paddled across the ENTIRE lake. I can feel the pain in my arms just remembering it, but goodness what a beautiful, sweet memory. We paddled to an island across the lake, took a nap there and, a few hours later, almost ran into the rowing team on our way back across the water. Such a beautiful day and memory with the love of my life <3

Ah, it is hard to believe that we were so high in the air for this photo!

Chris and I went to the 2023 Simpsonville Fair with Daniel, Sierra, and Tyler where we rode rides, saw a sea lion performance, ate lots of junk food, and ended the night with a sweet ferris wheel ride. I am so thankful for the amazing partner with whom I get to spend the rest of my life making fun experiences <3

The Proposal!

Wow. There are few words that can ever describe this truly perfect day. I was already overjoyed, we were celebrating my 21st birthday with a pool party at my Nana and Papa's house like we have for as long as I can remember. My sweet love managed to finally get a Sunday off but I later found out he could only make that happen by telling everyone that he was proposing...how sweet! We went to Cavins and Pastor Pace preached an amazing sermon on how to experience joy despite worry....it calmed Chris down when in the seat next to him I had no idea what was awaiting me. The pool party was lovely and I got the sweetest gifts; l sat looking around the room at dozens of people who loved me, took time out of their day to be with me and, most of all, all knew what awaited when I was completely oblivious.

Chris had already told me that after the party we were going on a picnic at the prayer gardens in Central, SC, so sierra and I got out of the pool and got all prettied up--pretty dresses, press-on nails, makeup, the works! If it hadn't been for her, Chris would have proposed to me while I wore a hoodie and some jean shorts.

As Chris tried to swallow the nerves we drove the hour and a half to the gardens listening to music and talking about life. I was so, so grateful that my love wanted to give me one last lovely memory with Sierra and Tyler before they moved to Georgia--this was the guise that kept me completely clueless up until he pulled out the ring. After we had eaten lunch and were about to head to the prayer cabins, Chris suggested that we take some cute pictures on the picnic blanket....I'm always down for some cute pictures with my sweet love, so there was n oway I was turning that down. Sierra grabbed my phone to take some pictures, Tyler secretly started recording, and Chris started playing our song ("Ever Be by Jess and Gabriel") as he knelt to meet me on the ground.

Sobbing in disbelief, I could not have said yes fast enough. The ring was more than I ever thought I was worth, and the video still makes me cry every time I watch it. The day of the proposal remains the absolute best day of my life...I look forward to a lifetime of surprises and sweet love with this amazing man <3