It’s easiest for us to tell people we met in college. While that’s true, the bulk of our story happened several years after. For the sake of transparency, it’s only fair we start at the beginning. Madison and I went to Georgia College together, but at that time only knew of each other and had several mutual friends. Although we didn’t realize at the time, our college romance highlight began on our senior spring break cruise in the Bahamas at a classy social club, Señor Frogs. As fate would have it, video proof later surfaced from this club of a dance circle with a focus on only four people; Madison, myself, and two of my groomsmen, Kevin and Dan. It’s evident from the footage Madison, clutching tight her souvenir cup, was trusting Kevin and I to take the lead for entertainment purposes and replicated our moves. From then on I knew she satisfied the most important part of any successful relationship, trust.

Fast forward a few years, and that special dance still burned bright in my mind. So much so that on instagram I began to take a special interest to Madison’s life. It was obvious how authentic Madison was. She shared the things that made her happiest; her friends, her family, her faith, her dog Gracie, and healthy sprinkles of the Dawgs. I was confident we had several things in common. I began to plant some seeds and throw the occasional “Happy Birthday!” And “Congrats!” Whenever she finished PA school. I needed to let her know I was paying attention.

Soon enough I got the courage to send her a DM, but not just any DM. It was strategic, it had to be unique and something to get her to talk. She was listening to a podcast about how to be a great supporter to the friends in her life transitioning to married and young motherhood life. I asked her to tell me the most important thing she learned from the podcast because I had some friends in the same stages, and also needed a good hook to get her number. The plan worked flawlessly. A couple weeks later our first date followed, where we talked and laughed until we closed the restaurant down. It was the perfect first date. We quickly knew we were going to have a lot of fun spending time together and haven’t turned back since.

Let’s take it back a few weeks prior to December 1st, 2023. My dad sent a text in our family group message of an email he received from work offering free tickets to the Christmas lights at Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

I suggested the date December 1st because it was one of the only nights I had off work. Being a huge planner, Driver knew he had to let me pick the date or else I would of been onto him. Looking forward to a fun family night, I was disappointed with everyone’s excuses for not being able to join. As planned, it worked out to have a double date with my sister, Carmen, and her boyfriend, Mason. I didn’t think anything of it because I didn’t expect Driver to take the easy way out with dad’s free work tickets for such a monumental night. Turns out, the email was fake and all a set up to fool me…and it worked! About an hour before we were leaving, Carmen canceled on us with a believable excuse of an important audition for Mason (lie).

At this point, I got a little suspicious but everyone’s excuses seemed legit so I decided not to get my hopes up. I vividly remember riding in the car to the lights and it was misting rain, which normally I would of been worried it would ruin our plans but this was different. I felt peace. I heard the Lord tell me, “Madison, I am not confirming you are getting engaged tonight - but these feelings and peace you feel right now is real. Don’t try to shut down your feelings to avoid being disappointed, but feel them and be present because these are real and this is what I have had waiting for you.”

After arriving at the park, we were walking through a beautiful area of lights when Driver started talking to me about our future together. At the PERFECT moment, he got down on one knee and proposed! A moment I will remember forever! We could not stop smiling! Afterwards, we had drinks at a restaurant in the park to soak it all in before going to Carmen’s house, where our families were anxiously awaiting! Many tears, smiles, and celebratory drinks were had! Driver planned an absolute dream night! One I will never forget!

If you’ve gotten to this point in the story, thank you for reading, and we are so happy to have you as part of our growing story as well. December 20th can’t come fast enough!

- Driver and Madison