You might be wondering how a girl from Mississippi studying at the University of Alabama ended up meeting a guy from Texas at the US Naval Academy. I actually dated one of Cooper’s friends before I met Cooper (it’s okay, you can laugh). During that period of singleness before I started talking to Cooper, my dad gave me some valuable advice. He told me to make a list of the qualities I absolutely needed in a spouse, and not to date anyone who didn't meet all those criteria. These qualities didn't include looks, but at the end, I added an "optional" section with some funny preferences like "blue eyes, over 6'4", muscular, and brunette" (haha). I made my list, prayed over it, and included a prayer for the man I might marry someday. I remember having a teary moment with my dad, asking if he'd take care of me forever if I never got married. It was a bit pitiful, looking back.

A few weeks later, fate played its part. I saw a photo on Cooper's Instagram of the Hawksbill Crag on the Whitaker Point trail in Boxley, Arkansas. Six years earlier, I had hiked the same trail with my grandparents and taken the exact same photo.

That sparked a conversation, and we never stopped talking after that. Cooper insists that I made the first move by reaching out about the Instagram photo, but after about a week of texting, he asked me, "Would it be weird if I called you?" That night, we talked for a solid five hours, covering everything from deep theological discussions to life goals and travel dreams.

I was 17 and completely smitten with Cooper. He was undeniably handsome, tall, and, most importantly, deeply devoted to his faith. I quickly realized he ticked off every item on my checklist and then some. Cooper made it clear that he wanted to pursue a relationship with me, but we faced one small challenge: we lived hundreds of miles apart. Nonetheless, we made every effort to see each other during breaks and weekends. It wasn’t easy, but distance seems so little when someone means so much. I can’t wait to not have to say goodbye to him anymore!

After the wedding and honeymoon, Cooper and I will be living in Annapolis until moving to Virginia in September for The Basic School (the Marine training school Cooper will be attending). Prayers for an easy move/transition are much needed and appreciated!

During Christmas break, finally catching a breather after my first, Covid-infested semester at the Naval Academy, I hit the road with some old high school buddies for an adventure in Arkansas. I had just gotten into photography and shared some photos from the hike at Whitaker Point on Instagram. Later that night, my phone buzzed and, to my surprise, Tori had DM’d me. Having been acquainted with Tori through a past relationship, I wasn't sure what exactly she was reaching out about. She sent me a picture of her with her grandparents that was also taken at Whitaker Point. This small coincidence sparked a conversation which led down a long path of texts, snapchats, and eventually phone calls.

Although I’ve always known she was a beautiful girl, raised well, and loved the Lord, history wasn’t made until our first 1 on 1 phone call. The first time I called Tori, the first words she said was “Hey Cooper! Can I give you a room tour?” Then for about 10 minutes she showed me trinkets around her room and all of her Christmas decorations. I thought it was a funny start to our first phone call, and she still gets embarrassed every time we talk about it. It only took a few minutes of talking to Tori on the phone for me to realize she was going to be a very important girl in my life. We stayed up until the late hour of the night talking, and even then, we still didn’t want to stop. More than anything, her genuine personality and firm foundation in Jesus is what was so attractive to me.

We talked again on Christmas, and the day after, and the day after. I remember sitting down with my mom at a Jason’s Deli and explaining our whole situation, saying “I’m going to marry this girl.” Despite the long distance and adversity, we continued to write to each other, and I called her any chance I got. After 5 long months, we were finally able to meet up for the first time on Memorial Day weekend in Baltimore, Maryland. As a photographer, you know I got the whole thing on video. There was no doubt in my mind that Tori would be infinitely more wonderful in person than over the phone. She was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined and she continues to give me more and more reasons to love her. I often ponder why I’ve been blessed with such an exceptionally beautiful and wonderful partner, inside and out, to navigate life with. I’m truly the most blessed man, and June 8th can’t get here soon enough.