We met here in Asheville on the evening of May 14th, 2022, when a gathering of mutual friends brought us together for the first time. Immediately upon walking into the house, Elliot and Sadie locked eyes— we like to say that it was love at first sight.

Later that night, Elliot told Sadie that he would love to take her on a date sometime. Sadie was going back to college that same weekend, so this “sometime” needed to be soon. We exchanged phone numbers, and the very next evening, May 15th, we went on our first date.

And, ever since that night, we’ve been together…

Despite being long-distance since the weekend we met, we quickly fell in love during our first year of dating. It was made easier with us driving back and forth nearly every weekend to spend time together. Our first "I love you", tailgates, frat parties, hikes, and dates around our college towns, with hours-long FaceTimes in between.

Our second year together was marked by some pretty big milestones! Our first vacation together, both graduating college, and moving back to Asheville. Long distance suddenly turned into only a 30-minute commute, which allowed for many more memories to be made together, now here at home.

We kept very busy during our third year of dating. Started full-time jobs, spent lots of time with family, went on many trips, weathered a hurricane in our mountains, and continued to enjoy being home together! Elliot also got accepted into the law school at the University of South Carolina. Go Gamecocks!

We went on a weekend getaway to the Horse Shoe Farm to celebrate our 3-year anniversary. Elliot planned every detail, down to picking out Sadie's dress! What Sadie didn’t know was that she’d be leaving the farm as his fiancée!!

In the early evening of May 17th, Elliot proposed to Sadie in the glowing sunshine, with a duck pond and our mountains as the backdrop. The most joyful moment of our lives! That night, the first fireflies of the season twinkled in the trees by our cabin, like they were celebrating with us. Truly a day that we both had always dreamed of and prayed for.

After a lovely weekend celebrating our engagement, just the two of us, we made our way back home. As we drove the curve up to Elliot’s house, he said, “remember how I said I had no more surprises? Look!” Sadie was so surprised to see all of their local family and loved ones lining the driveway, cheering and waving! The most thoughtful surprise engagement party to close out the dreamiest weekend.

Our soon-to-be best day of our lives: on our 4-year anniversary, we will say "I do" to forever together!!! We can’t wait to celebrate with all of our dearest friends, family, and loved ones. See you in May!