It all started as a crush on a girl across the beach in 2016.

Sumner sure was persistent. We met when I had a boyfriend but that didn't stop him from hitting on me. He quickly realized it would go nowhere at that time, so this is where our story paused for 3 years. Fast forward to 2019, I was newly single. Sumner reached out by text, started commenting on my instagram posts, asked me on dates, and even tried to go places he knew I'd be so he could see me. He kept telling me he thought I would have fun if I would hangout with him. Problem was, I thought I'd fall in love the second we did. I held strong for over 3 months but finally decided mid-October to go see Sumner in Columbia. Exactly what I thought would happen did. I fell hard and fast after our first kiss at Jake's the night of October 16th, 2019. After that kiss, we stayed together every day for a week. We finally went on our first real date to the fair before ending that week-long stretch. We had the best time playing games, winning prizes, and snacking on fair food. The date ended with a kiss goodnight before I headed home. On the way back I felt butterflies, nerves, and anticipation of when I'll get to see Sumner again. I was thinking about all the things I should've told him, or maybe not told him (since we all know I tend to talk too much). Luckily for me, it only took two days before he asked for me to come see him again. That night, to my surprise, he called me his girlfriend. But I told him I didn't remember him ever asking me lol. He replied "I wanted to ask at the fair and regret not doing it. So will you be my girlfriend?" obviously I said yes. That question was the true beginning of our wild ride. Our anniversary has been 10/23 for five years now, 10/23/2025 will be year 6. We have had so much happen during these years. Together we have endured loss, welcomed new life, added Meadow to our fur-family, ended jobs, started our careers, moved towns, bought houses-and sold one, got through sickness like heart surgery and a broken neck, experienced many firsts together, and decided on forever. We have grown together, and apart, and then back together, but through all of the highs and lows we have loved one another. I feel so blessed to have had a man as wonderful as Sumner by my side during my hardest trials and highest rewards. I truly believe it is God's plan for Sumner and I to live life together forever. I am so excited and proud to be Future Mrs. Cooler!!!

As we say, "forever & always."

I can't wait to celebrate our love and commitment to each other with each of you!

As Madi made you all so well aware, Madi first caught my attention when she was already taken. But what’s the point of soccer without a goalie? (If you try to take her from me, I promise it won’t be pretty.) I knew it was love at first sight but I did not know it would mean forever. There’s another beginner story that only a select few know (especially you, Anthony) but we’ll leave it at that. I will agree that I was persistent but that is something I am proud to be! She shot down multiple attempts but FINALLY she caved. That first hangout turned out to be a week long endeavor. I knew I wanted Madi to be mine but I had always been scared of commitment. I never saw myself as a longterm “lover boy” and I surely never saw myself getting married, but Madi Ray changed my whole perspective. She showed me what true unconditional love was/is. Corny to say but I knew Madison was the one. She is the only girl, let alone person, that can get under my skin but only for a brief moment. There is truly nothing she can do or say that will alter how much I love her. It is factual now just as it was in the beginning - she is my twin. We share so many similarities and make up for the differences. She is my home. She is my safety. She is my heart. Our journey has not been a steady incline. It has been a roller coaster that we have ridden with arms high constantly reaching for more. As Bob Marley once said, “If she’s amazing, she won’t be easy. If she’s easy, she won’t be amazing. If she’s worth it, you won’t give up. If you give up, you’re not worthy. Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just have to find the one’s worth suffering for.” Even though October 23, 2025 will be the 6th year mark, we are just beginning to write the best chapters of our novel. We have already experienced many losses, wins, distance, setbacks, heartbreak and accomplishments.. but there’s so much more ahead! I could go on and on, but there’s not enough words in the dictionary to describe how ecstatic I am to marry this amazing resilient woman. I look forward to that name change, Madi Girl! Filling out forms will be so much easier for you (and me.) but that’s not what it’s all about. It’s about marrying my best friend. To the future Mrs. Cooler, I love you! Forever and always… March 14th, hurry up!! “One day closer.”