Payton and Marshall met in church during elementary school. Our families had us both involved in church at a very young age, where we met. We were both very aware of one another, but Payton often recalls the early years when Marshall wasn't getting the hint. She remembers getting butterflies when they sat next to each other in church because she just *might* get to hold his hand during the prayer! This picture was at a church conference when Payton was a freshman and Marshall was a sophomore in high school!

Fast forward to high school, where Marshall and Payton go on their first date to an event for Payton's high school sorority, where this photo was taken! Following the conclusion of Marshall's high school graduation, the two decide to take some time apart.

Their friendship continues on while they are both in college, catching up occasionally over random phone calls. As Payton is finishing up nursing school at UT Chattanooga, Marshall is bouncing around different jobs trying to discover what his passion is. Payton reaches out to Marshall and expresses an interest to catch up in person rather than over the phone. In true Marshall fashion, he tries to avoid this by coming up with whatever excuses he can at the time. One thing about Payton is that when she has her mind made up about something, there is nothing you can do to talk her out of it. Her persistence leads to the two seeing each other in person for the first time in a long time, and of course, picking up right where they left off!

At the beginning of COVID, weekend after weekend was spent with one another as we began to re-enter the dating phase. We had a summer of fun with friends before Payton began her career at Vanderbilt as a nurse.

We had many discussions about our futures during that summer. Payton was about to enter into the medical field and Marshall was searching for his passion. One day over coffee, we discussed the possibility of Marshall giving the medical field a try. Marshall’s work ethic and desire to care for others made him a perfect fit! The next week Marshall was enrolled in EMT school, not entirely sure what he was getting himself into. Needless to say, he quickly found his passion and love for the medical field.

First of many trips to 30A with friends!

Mountain climbing in Colorado!

One of the many UTK games we've attended!

Backpacking trip in East Tennessee

First ski trip with the Perry family to Colorado!

Trip to Dallas to visit friends

Trip to Duke to visit friends

Trip to the Biltmore in Asheville North Carolina

Marshall visits Payton in Big Sur while she is travel nursing in California!

Marshall cheering Payton on during her first half marathon in Napa Valley all the way from Tennessee!

Another trip to Colorado with friends!

Payton is now working as a Labor & Delivery Nurse at Vanderbilt while balancing graduate school at Georgetown University, studying for a Masters in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery. Marshall is a Paramedic with the Nashville Fire Department. With both of us in the medical field, Payton and Marshall's ability to listen to and support each other in work & school has been pivotal in their relationship. They are both passionate about helping others, as well as each other, and have a unique dynamic when it comes to "work-life balance".

Once the idea of engagement began, Marshall began brainstorming and realized that no matter what, the element of surprise had to be executed to perfection. After going to the sounding board with several options, Payton's mother helped him pull it off without a hitch. Payton, her mom, and her sister were in NYC on a girl's trip. To Payton's knowledge, Marshall was at work until she got back from the trip. He got off work on a Friday morning, made his way to the airport, and was on a flight to NYC. He was able to connect with Payton's cousin who was going to photograph the proposal in Central Park. After some miscues and last minute changes, here comes Payton walking up a path not far from the “Friends” fountain in Central Park. As she approaches a tree, out steps Marshall, and the element of surprise had been achieved!

When we aren't working or studying, we are walking our dogs Poppy and Avett, and finding any way to spend time outside. We both love to travel and are constantly dreaming about the next adventure. We also enjoy a recharge day spent making dinner together or on the couch watching movies, Survivor, or football games. Payton is a great cook and Marshall is a very efficient dish washer. We can’t wait to start this new journey!