Natalie, who’d grown up watching Tom and Jerry obviously thought this was cute because they continued to become friends over the next month. During this month, not only did they stay up late texting, talking about life, and getting to know each other but it was also spent tip-toeing around going out on a date. Gavin would ask—Natalie was busy and trying to avoid the fact that he could be a great guy. Eventually Natalie said yes from the clear guidance of Caitlin Wardour (Bridesmaid + Matchmaker) by saying “NATALIE! What are you scared of? He’s cute and obviously interested in you, what’s the worst that could happen?” Thank God for her.

That first date (November 16) started off strong with Gavin picking Natalie up at the wrong door of the Gamma Phi house (lol sorry Gav). But led to us getting the iconic Sprittle (Sprite with Skittles) at the local drive-thru liquor store, The Barn, which we enjoyed on a walk around Theta Pond making small talk. After about an hour of wandering, Gavin and Natalie hopped in his old Jeep (with a flat tire that Natalie didn’t know about) and headed down all the dirt roads Stillwater, OK has to offer—which is a lot—and even had to take a potty break at a gas station (where Gavin checked his tire pressure, which Natalie in fact still didn’t know about). Lastly, these love birds ended up at Boomer Lake looking up and dancing under the stars before Gavin realized they’d been together for 8 hours and he had an exam to take 4 hours from then. For those following—we never got a flat tire and Natalie found out after dating for quite some time.

It was almost 2 months until we saw each other again because of winter break, wrestling season, and Natalie just being plain silly, but we went on our second first date at Granny’s Kitchen the morning Gavin and his team arrived in Stillwater at 6 am after driving through the night back from wrestling at The Air Force Academy. Ironically enough, Natalie (who didn’t follow wrestling and knew absolutely nothing about it) wore an Air Force sweatshirt that she had thrifted a couple of years prior. Thank goodness Gavin looked past that and we spent the whole morning getting lost in each other's presence (and annoying the waiting staff) for 4 hours!

Two days later Gavin asked Natalie to get coffee before class at Balanced so he could get "the cool coffee with the leaf on top." After, we walked to class together and said goodbye, we both eagerly awaited to see each other again. Funny enough, that same day, Natalie was taking her daily after-class walk around campus, and right as she turned the corner of Gallagher-Iba arena, out walks Gavin, who came out of a door that he never used because teammate Austin Harris (Groomsmen) was picking him up. We ended up finishing the rest of the walk back to the G Phi house together, soaking up every word we shared.

We both know that wasn't just a coincidence but that The Lord had His hand in it and still does! Since then, we have been inseparable and we are so excited to continue this walk forever in marriage.