Colby and Leah Ann first crossed paths with each other during their time at Mississippi State University. For example, when Leah Ann rang her cowbell on the field at the Egg Bowl during her tenure as Miss MSU, Colby spotted her while he was also on the field right next to her, working with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker.

However, our story as a couple truly began in the summer of 2022, when a happenstance meeting in Waco, Texas brought us together - finally and formally. We noticed that we clicked with each other very quickly, and fostered an immediate appreciation for each other's intellectual and vocational drive, quick wit, and spiritual faithfulness. Our love for those qualities in each other have only been deepened over the years.

A few months after we started dating, Colby accepted a job in Washington DC. After graduation from graduate school, Leah Ann accepted an elementary music job in Northern Virginia, and moved to Arlington. We both had immense fun together creating so many memories in such an exciting city: sightseeing, taking daily walks around Capitol Hill, shopping in Eastern Market, eating at iconic locales, going to concerts of all genres (from symphonies at the Kennedy Center to intimate local spots to watch our favorite lo-fi funk bands), hiking in Shenandoah Park, and innumerate other experiences in our nation's beautiful - and very busy - capital.

Colby accepted an appointment under Michael Watson as Assistant Secretary of State for policy in the Fall of 2024. He moved back to Mississippi, and Leah Ann soon followed after the end of her school year.

One of our most visited and cherished places during our time in DC was the National Gallery of Art, where we would often spend quiet Sundays after church contemplating and admiring our favorite artists and art. Thus, it seemed only fitting that it was in the midst of the flowing greenery in the Gallery's atrium when Colby asked Leah Ann, "Will you make me the happiest man on earth and be my wife?" on March 1, 2025. She was much too excited to remember to say "yes," so Colby did have to clarify if that was her answer amidst her enthusiastic blabbering.

"Yes" it was, indeed. We can't wait for our story to continue this October as we are married at the beautiful Chapel of Memories on the campus of our beloved Mississippi State University. We both covet your prayers as we begin this exciting new chapter of our lives together.