Phillip and Joanie met in 2009 when Phillip was a pledge to the Sigma Nu fraternity at Birmingham Southern College. Joanie had graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor's degree in Health and Human Services specializing in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology.) Joanie had returned home to Birmingham after obtaining her degree and was deciding next steps in her career when she met a current Sigma Nu. He convinced her (after much convincing) to come to the house to experience the "frat life." Joanie, having been a Division I Scholarship Athlete, had reservations when it came to "Greek Life." The second she stepped on campus and was introduced the the Sigma Nu family, she was struck.....this was 2009. Phillip was pledging to the Sigma Nu fraternity gods and Joanie literally thought he was cute and vouched for him....which led to him being inducted right there and then.

Phillip and Joanie have now been friends for almost 15 years....

Joanie had stayed in Birmingham, AL throughout the next couple of years while Phillip returned to Atlanta, GA where he was born and raised. Joanie ended up getting an amazing job opportunity in Atlanta and made a life changing decision to move to pursue her career. Atlanta was an extremely hard culture change for Joanie, but being her sister, Bailey, had just moved to the area it made the transition a little more bearable.

After a year of acclimating to Atlanta life, Joanie and Phillip met up randomly at a Cherry Blossom Gathering in Brookhaven and frankly had no idea each was in the area. Since that meeting, the friendship was rekindled and each was so happy to reconnect with the other.

The friendship became stronger over the years and through some trying times for Joanie during Covid. Phillip ended up expressing his feelings for Joanie and things began to fall into place as she realized their 15 year friendship had not been for naught.

Phillip and Joanie's first vacation together was to Myrtle Beach, SC. It was a random destination that popped up on VRBO and became a favorite and coveted place that accelerated our love for each other, and also our babies, Arya and Rue.

Phillip decided in April 2023 that he wanted to make things official with Joanie, so he took her back to Myrtle Beach, and proposed to her right on the beach they love so much.

They are so excited to say their vows and become man and wife with their closest friends and family in May 2024.

Can't wait and love all of our friends and family's support!

Joanie and Phillip