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Madelyn's Perspective:

Brown and I met our second semester of college at UGA swing dancing on the top of a parking deck late at night. Our freshman year was during the height of COVID, and there was absolutely nothing going on except church and swing dancing on the south campus parking deck. While this is the first time we met, I did not truly get to know Brown until later on into the semester.

Here we stayed up all night doing fun Athens things Freshman year!

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As the semester continued, we became a part of the same friend group. Freshman year was full of many spontaneous activities! We had to make our own fun without any clubs or activities to join, so we all made adventures such as pulling all-nighters, riding the night bus, jumping in the UGA fountain, sneaking people into Russell Hall, and pranking each other relentlessly.

Here we are at a date night (The real ones know what happened in this moment)!

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It was not until second semester of sophomore year that Brown and I both had a Spanish class together that it became evident that there was something there (at least, for me). I enjoyed walking to Spanish with Brown and driving home together every day. We would spend that time talking about any and everything. Brown quickly became one of my best friends, and Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays (our class days) became the best part of my week. I realized that I had feelings for Brown and saw how he had a way of brightening my day.

We were often accompanied by our friend, Bennett, who completely did not see the signs of our interest in each other (sorry Bennett). For instance, on the way to class one day, Brown held my hand (I cannot remember why - I think it was a joke) and Bennett grabbed his hand as well just wanting to join in. And there we were - walking to class in a horizontal line holding hands. Needless to say, Bennett did not get the message.

Here we are with Bennett recently! Not much has changed!

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As the semester continued, we went on a mission trip to Puerto Rico with RUF. At the time, we were not dating yet and thought that no one had noticed that we were interested in one another. Unfortunately, everyone was in on the "secret" including our campus minister (who sat us together on the plane ride back - much to my excitement).

Here we are in Puerto Rico!

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After we returned to Athens, Brown asked me out on a date, and the rest is history! Brown has brought so much joy, fun, light, laughter, love, and wisdom into my life. I am so excited to marry Brown and spend the rest of my life with him!

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