Cody and I met in early July of 2018 right after I started my career with International Paper at the Vicksburg, Mississippi paper mill. Cody had been working there since January of 2018. We both took a chance by moving to a small town for our careers. Little did we know the huge impact that this decision would make in our lives. When I moved the Vicksburg I only knew two people, Alex and Brittany, because I met them when I was interviewing for the job. They quickly became my friends when I moved there. They told me about this cute boy, Cody from Purchasing. They told me he had a lab just like me and that we would get along so well. A few days later, this cute boy knocks on my office door to introduce himself. My heart FLEW. I knew in that moment that this man would change my life. We started hanging out in large groups then I asked him to come over and hang by the pool when my brother and his girlfriend were in town. Meeting Hunter was going to be the real test to see if he stood a chance. But as I expected, Hunter loved him. We spent the entire weekend together and Cody had me over the following Monday to cook me dinner.That was just the beginning. Our relationship progressed so fast and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We had our first dance together a few weeks later at the Beachwood Restaurant to ‘You Make it Easy’ by Jason Aldean. We learned together and grew together in this small town. Cody and I officially started dating August 24, 2018. I knew he was going to be my husband after just a few weeks of dating. We started to build a life together that we loved.

Deep down in my heart I was hoping & praying that Cody would propose on July 4th weekend but I just knew it wasn’t going to happen. Cody & I had planned this long weekend with both of our families all together and that is when my heart is the fullest. Cody knew how important it was for us to get engaged with our family members there. Leading up the trip, Cody made sure that I had the perfect outfit and my nails done for this special moment & I was oblivious to it all. On July 3 we took the boat out & tied up with a few friends. Cody had been a little off that day but he insisted that he was fine. We had dinner reservations that night at a great restaurant in downtown Hot Springs & had planned to get family photos. As I got ready, I felt like everyone was waiting on me. My mom sat in the bathroom with me the entire time I got ready. (she was guarding me so I couldn’t see what was actually happening outside.) I finally got ready and Cody said we needed to hurry & get a picture together down on the dock due to a storm rolling in. Cody grabbed my hand & began leading me down the hill towards the dock. My heart began to race because I could tell there was something set up down on the dock. I could tell he was nervous because he was walking so fast. We finally made it down on the dock and my eyes began to fill with the happiest of tears. I knew, that this was it. This was the moment I had been waiting for since I met this incredible man. Cody held my hands, looked me in the eyes and tears filled in his & mine & said, “Haley you are the most incredible person I have ever met. Everyday with you is a blessing and I want to be blessed by you for the rest of my life. I love you so much.” He got down on one knee, opened the box, looked up at me & said “Will you marry me?” I was beaming & crying tears of joy. Inside the box was the most beautiful and stunning ring I have ever seen. He picked it out all on his own. Looking at his perfect face I shouted, “OF COURSE I WILL.”