Lily and Lincoln first officially met in high school, though they had crossed paths before in middle school. What began as a close friendship gradually turned into something more, with occasional dates and a growing connection. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit, shutting down schools and everyday life, that their bond truly deepened. Spending nearly every day together during that time, they became inseparable, and by the end of high school it was clear that they were meant to be together.

That fall of 2020, Lily headed off to college at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, while Lincoln stayed in Lexington, Kentucky to continue his Fire Science degree and work at a local fire department. Thus began their 3-year journey of long-distance love. Monthly visits, countless calls, and late-night drives back and forth made their time apart challenging, but it also made their moments together all the sweeter. They often say, “You can get through anything with the right person,” and their story proves that to be true.

In the summer of 2023, Lincoln moved down to Birmingham to work as a full-time firefighter, just as Lily was finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Not long after, they adopted their beloved one-eyed rescue dog, Louise, who quickly became a cherished part of their little family.

A few weeks after Lily’s college graduation, Lincoln proposed during a lakeside getaway at a friend’s house on Lake Martin, Alabama. With over five years of love, growth, and adventure behind them, they’re now looking forward to the next chapter: eloping in the beautiful Acadia National Park in Maine this summer, followed by a celebration with their closest friends and family this September.

Lily and Lincoln’s journey together has been a testament of strength, commitment, and unwavering love—and this is only the beginning.