Lily's POV:

We knew of each other for over a year, but we officially met in October at my brother's birthday celebration. I went home that night, hoping Caleb would reach out to me. I was very confident he would, but too stubborn to message him first...He did! ;)

Caleb's POV:

I knew of Lily for a little over a year but I had never had a conversation with her until October 8th at her brother's birthday party. I followed her on social media a few months before the birthday party (I thought she was cute) ;). We had several small interactions, messaging each other on Instagram; she had recently congratulated me on completing Ranger School, and I asked her how her semester was going. I knew she would be at the birthday party, so I was nervous but excited to see her and try to talk to her. She looked absolutely gorgeous! She came over and sat next to me as we watched some people play cornhole outside, and we started talking! I just remember how interesting I thought she was, how easy she was to talk to, how much I liked her voice, and how pretty and kind she was. Safe to say later that night I just had to message her and let her know that I really enjoyed talking to her and the rest is history! :)

Lily's POV:

Fast forward to Thanksgiving weekend, and we are walking the beach at sunrise. It was chilly but so peaceful. This is where Caleb asked me to be his girlfriend! From this day forward, our morning beach walks in Pawleys became our special thing.

Caleb's POV:

We continued to stay in contact and talk daily as I left for Texas but I soon came home for Thanksgiving and she offered to pick me up from the airport! That Friday I asked if she would like to go walk the beach and see the sunrise, and that's when I asked if she would like to start dating and be my girlfriend. She obviously said yes! We got to make a lot of fun memories together in South Carolina and Texas!

Lily's POV:

It was my birthday, so Caleb had planned lunch at my favorite place in Pawleys. He asked me to dress nicely and picked me up. I could tell he was nervous. I knew something was up when he tried to skip dessert! After finishing dessert (yes, I got my way; I was the birthday girl), we headed to the beach. With the windows down and music playing, I started to have a suspicion. I checked his pocket, but I didn't see a ring box. Once we got far enough on the beach, he asked me!

My favorite part of it all was that Caleb had spent the night before walking that very spot, practicing, and praying over it!

Caleb's POV:

What a fun day! I had so much fun planning it out and trying to keep it a secret. I chose her birthday because I thought it would give the engagement a good disguise and surprise. We got dressed up, I picked her up and we went to Bistro for lunch. I remember looking at her across the table and thinking yeah, that’s my wife, and she has no clue I'm about to propose to her (what an exciting feeling). We then made our way over to the beach for what she thought was just a walk. Listening to some of our favorite songs on the short drive over I felt like I was on cloud nine and man was I confident. That confidence would soon fade as I parked the truck, got out, and slid the ring into my back pocket. It was showtime and I was nervous lol. I remember coming out the day prior and planning it out with an old buddy of mine who was the photographer. I came out and walked and prayed over the spot I was going to stop and ask her to be my wife. I also remember I wanted to have some big long speech as I walked out there. That big long speech I thought I would give soon turned into a lump in my throat and I don't remember too much of what was said outside of Lily I love you. I then think I said something along the lines of what is that over there to make her look in the opposite direction (what a dumb thing to say lol) and lowered to my knee and popped the question. She said yes! (I know I was shocked too!)

Lily's POV:

A few days after our engagement, it was time for Caleb to leave for his deployment. For the next 9.5 months, we would rely on Facetime. Although we have missed each other very much, it has been such an incredible experience. We have gained an appreciation for the simple things, and I plan to carry this part of our journey close in my heart throughout the entirety of our marriage. I am so proud of my soldier!

Caleb's POV:

For someone who has never gone through something that places you on the other side of the world from your partner for 9.5 months, it's hard to explain just how hard it is. But we have absolutely crushed it. It hasn't been easy and it has taken a lot of hard work, communication, love, effort, and Facetime. I am so proud of Lily and she continues to impress me daily. I am grateful God created such an awesome woman. I am so thankful for her love and support and I couldn't have done it without her.