March - 2019

It all started with a little production called Titanic: The Musical. The two were introduced at fall 2018, and then thrown into months of rehearsals, staging workshops and performances. Were they "married" in the show? Yes. Did they think anything of it at the time? Nope! Did they have a great time? You bet!

(We would be remiss if we didn't take a moment to thank Dr. Darren Lawson for this initial introduction. I guess you could say this was all his fault)

August - 2020

The next step of note was that Levi started to work at Artios of Greenville, SC after he graduated college, which began the in-between period of them just living life. There were lots of small moments of connection throughout those years either through Artios masterclasses and productions, Markel's family who also worked with Levi or occasional vocal lessons where more talking happened then singing. On both sides it was just good, easy connection, but the thought of it being anything more than friendship not brought into the equation at all.

June - 2022

In the middle of the "in-between" period, a former student to both Markel and Levi had a vocal recital. Hunter Ballard asked both of them to perform with him as a trio, and they said yes. Having to be apart of a rehearsals and ultimately the performance provided the two of them a few more concentrated times to be together. There was a small shift here in the internal monologue for them both. For multiple reasons this wasn't the right time for them to talk about a possibility, but it sat more like "I wouldn't be mad about it..."

September - 2023

Markel MAY have let it slip to someone she thought Levi was pretty great. This was the green light he was waiting for! Very quickly a coffee turned into dinner, and dinner turned into an official first date. In a very short time they both realized they were on the same page and really wanted to give this a go.

September - December 2023

In a very short period of time the Lord seemed to answer so many question, concerns and bring more blessing that either thought possible. The love and care they had for each other became clear, and it was only a matter of time before the next major step would be taken.

January 2024

The happiest "YES" ever was given.

Actually in the heat of the moment Markel thinks it came out more like "You are so stupid....YES." But whatever...

January - November 2024

The months in between engagement and wedding have been a tad full. Levi's family had two other weddings (WOOOOOOT!), Markel moved houses, they both started new jobs, and have been planning this little thing called a wedding all throughout. So much change, but so many blessings.

Nov 16th cannot get here fast enough!