Lydia and Nathaniel first met at T-Bones Coffee & Record shop in Hattiesburg, MS on October 8th, 2021. After spending two hours sharing their favorite travel destinations and every plot hole in their favorite Marvel and Star Wars movies, Nathaniel knew he wanted to take things to the next level with Lydia: bowling. After two months and several dates that gradually became longer and longer, it was clear that they were becoming best friends.

However, no formal relationship was acknowledged until Lydia caught COVID-19 in December/January. Sick of being cooped up inside with nothing to do in quarantine, Lydia called Nathaniel while she drove around downtown Hattiesburg to get out of the house. After a few minutes of conversation, she asked Nathaniel, "Am I your girlfriend?"

A laugh followed a few seconds of bewildered silence before he responded, "For all intents and purposes, yes."

Since then, Lydia and Nathaniel have spent countless hours together, planning fun day trips, baking/cooking together, kayaking, and sharing an endless barrage of funny videos with each other.

On July 9th, 2022, Nathaniel began the search for the perfect engagement ring. It was not until August 5th, 2023 (the hottest day of the year) that he popped the question. After a party celebrating Nathaniel's successful Ph.D. defense at the riverside cabin of a family friend, he took Lydia on a short ride on a side-by-side to a sand bank a short distance upriver. Lydia suspected something like this would occur that evening and decided to wear the black and daisy print dress Nathaniel bought her earlier that day. While kneeling, a small pebble became lodged inside Nathaniel's shoe-- Now a keepsake and the second stone that was taken home that day.

After an enthusiastic, "Absolutely, yes, I will!" both have continued to look forward to the rest of the story and a new journey-- One they can't wait to begin on April 27th, 2024.