Just after attending LC3 for the first time in the Summer of 2021, Talia decided to join the Youth Worship Team where she met Loring. As they spent more and more time serving together at youth events, they developed a friendship.

However, they began to wonder, "Could this be more than frienship?" Suddenly "what ifs", "maybes", and "I don't knows" began dancing around like carolers on a cold night. This is also when Spiderman: No Way Home premiered in theaters.

So the two set off to see the film "as friends". Fortunately, by the end of the night, they both admitted it was - a date. Everyone was clearly very supportive.

When Talia's Dad arrived home from deployment, Loring asked him to coffee to ask permission to date Talia. Two days later, he excitedly popped the question, “Will you be my girlfriend?”

After 6 months of getting to know one another, the couple spent the summer preparing for Loring to begin his first year at Liberty University in Virginia that fall. They took their first road trip together to see Loring's Aunt Rachel and to spend some time on the Oregon Coast, at Neptune Beach.

The rest of their summer days were spent worshipping God, growing in their faith, and in their relationship with one another.

As Talia and Loring transitioned to navigating life in different states, time zones, and friend groups, they faced the challenges of a long-distance relationship. The Lord grew them both in understanding the importance of good communication, being present in their time together and just how much they enjoyed one another’s company.

After almost a year, the two would now be celebrating their first Christmas together. This is also when Loring met the rest of Talia's family! This picture specifically is just a sweet moment of him with Tallie's youngest sister, Ally.

Then as winter days turned to spring and as spring days turned to summer, Loring said enough is enough! So the two left Washington behind and traveled across the Atlantic to Africa to meet Loring’s family and childhood friends.

Talia saw the beauty of where he grew up and had many new experiences, including eating bugs!

She loved meeting all of Loring's friends and family and experiencing a different way of life. A really special part of their time was witnessing his sister, Patience, being baptized.

After Africa, both Tallie AND Loring began preparing to attend Liberty University in the fall. So they spent a busy summer working, hanging out with friends, and participating in their first couple's photo shoot (thanks Ella!)

Right before leaving for college, Tallie and Loring decided to take one last trip to the Oregon Coast.

The two once again walked along Neptune Beach and out into the water. Climbing a rock to look out upon the waves Loring knelt down on one knee and said, "Talia, you are the most wonderful woman I've ever met. Will you marry me?" Totally surprised but completely sure of her answer she said, “Yes!”

Currently, Tallie and Loring are both attending Liberty University. They are actively studying, singing, wedding planning, and participating in pre-marital counseling! They are super excited for this next chapter in their lives and are so appreciative of all who have supported them.