There is always that summer that changes your life, and for Clay and Maddie, it was the summer of 2021. The two met while working at Camp ASCCA on Lake Martin in late June. Very quickly, they became friends and started spending much of their free time together. As the summer went on, they both developed feelings for each other, but it was complicated. In August, Maddie would be starting her senior year of high school, and Clay would be a sophomore in college. During Teen Week, the biggest session of the summer, they were placed in the same activity rotation group, and the rest is history. From there, they spent every spare second together, begged their unit leader to let them have the same nights off, and decided they would just “figure it out” when camp ended.

On August 13, 2021, the two had their first date and began to see that this could possibly work outside of the camp bubble. Building a relationship while being in high school and college presented new challenges. Soon, Thursday night became date night, and they made the best of the short time they had together. On September 28, 2021, Clay officially asked Maddie to be his girlfriend, and they have been together ever since. Over the past three years, they have navigated high school graduation, starting college, long-distance internships, and student teaching. Through every high and low, the Lord has been faithful and has blessed them more than they could have ever imagined. Early in 2024, it became clear that they were ready to take the next step in their relationship.

On June 14, 2024, Clay surprised Maddie with dinner at the Waverly Local. It had been a while since they had gone on a sit-down dinner date, so she was excited. While at dinner, they talked and caught up, but nothing seemed too out of the ordinary. Afterward, Clay suggested they drive up to camp to visit some friends, and Maddie happily agreed. Soon after they pulled into camp, Maddie began to get a little suspicious, especially when Clay started driving down to the lake. He led her to the boat dock overlooking beautiful Lake Martin. There, they took a quiet moment to reflect on their journey together before Clay got down on one knee and asked Maddie to marry him! They spent the rest of the night celebrating with family, soaking in every moment of their unforgettable evening.

Maddie and Clay could not be more excited to begin their lives together. They are so grateful for all the love and support they have received over the past three years and look forward to celebrating this special time with you all.