Max and Tori’s paths first collided in the summer of 2020 at a college ministry group called the Rec, just before embarking on a new chapter at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Max, never one to shy away from making connections, noticed Tori right away while Tori, attending this group the year prior, had a friend encourage her to go talk to a few people who looked new.

Something about Tori drew Max in, and he knew that he needed to take action if he stood any chance. The strategy was simple—Max was clever enough to collect all of their Snapchat contacts, but secretly, the only one he cared about was Tori’s.

Max and Tori began to hang out, slowly but surely. Coffee “dates” and casual meals built a foundation for their friendship, and Max found himself increasingly drawn to her kindness, wit, and genuine spirit. After months of shared moments and growing feelings, Max felt the time had finally come to ask Tori out. His heart pounded with nervous anticipation as he made his move—but to his surprise, Tori said no. For a moment, Max was taken aback. He had thought that she felt the same way. Believing she wasn’t interested at all, he decided to give her space, stepping back from the situation.

However, Tori had always had feelings for Max, but didn’t know how to express it. As time passed, their friendship only deepened, and Tori realized that the bond between them was something she couldn’t ignore. Eventually, she came to a place of honesty, confessing her feelings to Max—on the condition that Max let her ask him out this time.

Max, ever the gentleman, gladly accepted. Their second attempt at a date marked the beginning of something beautiful. It was a freezing night in January 2021 when they ventured out to get dinner. What followed were years of laughter, love, and adventure. From cozy movie marathons to intense Lego nights, Max and Tori grew together, learning, loving, and building a life side by side.

As the years passed, Max knew that Tori was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He couldn’t think of a better place than Rainbow Lake where they had shared some special milestones in their relationship. Where they went on their first hike together, the day Max asked Tori to be his girlfriend, where they said “I love you”, and now where he would propose.

On a hot day in June, Max dropped to one knee asking Tori to be his forever best friend. Without hesitation, Tori said “Yes!” The embrace that followed was filled with love and joy, as they were surrounded by their family who celebrated the beginning of this new chapter. The couple soon made plans to marry on May 10th, a date they will cherish forever.

Max and Tori’s love story is a testament to the power of faith, love, and divine timing. Their journey shows how two imperfect, broken individuals can come together and build something beautiful with God at the center. As they move forward in their relationship, they commit to dedicating their lives to each other, to God, and to the promises they've made. While their story is still being written, one thing is certain: their love is unwavering, and it’s a love that will last a lifetime.