Meredith and Jonny’s love story began the summer before her sophomore and his junior year at Furman University, when Jonny reached out to Meredith over social media. United by their shared passion for Furman, a love of cats, and a drive for academics, they spent the summer deepening their connection. Because Meredith hadn't toured campus before applying to Furman, and spent the majority of her freshman year at home in San Antonio because of uncertainties due to COVID-19, Jonny seized the opportunity to give her a proper Furman tour when she came up in August. During their Summer pre-season workouts, Jonny showed her all the corners of Furman, culminating in a moonlit stroll to Timmons Arena—a moment that would define the start of countless adventures together. Two years later, it was under those very lights, at Hoops Knight—Furman’s beloved pep rally season kickoff—that Jonny, clad in his basketball uniform and surrounded by friends and family, knelt on one knee and asked Meredith to be his partner for life. Timmons Arena meant very much to the pair over their college career, as they spent hours there together, Meredith rallying the crowd up in a stunt, and Jonny shooting 3s on the court.

One month into dating, they welcomed a tuxedo cat named Cosmos (affectionately known as Dean), who has grown up alongside them, filling their home with playful mischief and warm snuggles. Along the way, some of their fondest memories include traveling to Orlando—Jonny’s hometown—for March Madness, where Jonny’s team made it to the second round and Meredith cheered on the same court as her love; countless road trips to support each other at games, tournaments, and nationals, and Jonny’s unwavering encouragement during Meredith’s Student Government Association campaigns, whose final victory of Student Body President she happily credits to his late-night pep talks and steadfast belief in her. Now, four years in, Jonny continues to set the bar high for Meredith (literally), and she continues to be his biggest cheerleader!💍