A & T

Our love story began in early 2015. We went to different high schools and were a grade apart, but we knew of each other through mutual friends. AJ played baseball with a few of my friends, so we had each other on social media back then. We never really talked or hung out—just casual comments on Instagram and Snapchat. Remember the “TBH” days? In 2018, AJ even sent me one that said, “Tbh you’re really beautiful ☺️ and I bet you’re a stud in softball 🤧.” It didn’t mean much at the time, but looking back, it was all part of our story. I went off to college, and AJ still reached out, saying he wanted to come watch one of my games and support me. Since we had never met in person or shared the same circles, I never thought much of our conversations. Eventually, I moved back home to finish college at a local school—which just so happened to be right down the street from where he lived. In 2021, I commented on a post of his car, and the conversation was sweet but short. A few days later, he commented on a selfie I posted on Snapchat (I posted it hoping he’d see it—and he did). This time, the conversation stuck. We’d talk throughout the day, say goodnight and then in the morning we’d message each other again with a good morning and pick right back up with conversations. After a few weeks, AJ suggested we finally meet in person. We made plans two days in a row, and I bailed both times. He stayed patient and persistent. I knew I enjoyed talking to him and didn’t want to bail a third time (third times a charm?). Our first date ended up being at Yogurtland on January 30th, 2021. We were both nervous with crazy butterflies, but once we started talking, it instantly felt like we’d known each other for years. That night, we sat in his car for hours talking about life, faith, sports, careers, and what we wanted in a partner. We lost track of time and by the time we realized, it was well past midnight and I had to be up at 5 a.m. for weights. We both went home and immediately started texting about when we’d see each other again. Over the next few months, AJ showed me incredible patience, kindness, and grace. He pursued me and made it clear from day one that he wasn’t going to stop fighting for me. I wasn’t looking for a relationship and was focused on my career, but I couldn’t shake my feelings. Something was different about him. We both had no doubt God had placed us in each other’s lives for a reason, and looking back, it was abundantly clear He was preparing us for each other all along. Every path we took led us straight to one another. On April 19th, 2021 we went to the beach to watch the sunset and have a bonfire. While sitting there talking and listening to music, AJ asked me to be his girlfriend. It was a complete surprise. He planned to ask my dad for permission, but he said the moment felt too perfect to wait. It was spontaneous, and I love that about him. That’s who he is—when he knows, he knows. The proposal was no different. AJ had been planning it for years and wanted it to be a true surprise. I graduated with my master’s degree June 15th and planned a grad party on June 22nd, 2025 surrounded by family and friends. A week before the party, AJ realized I’d never expect it to happen there. With the help of my two best friends, he made it happen. When I turned around and saw him on one knee, I was completely shocked and overwhelmed with emotion—mostly because IT WAS ABOUT DANG TIME. Five years later, and we’ve experienced so much life together. We choose each other every day, and our love continues to grow stronger. We are so blessed to share a love like this and to build a life full of memories together. Our love story means so much to us, and we’re grateful to share it with all of you. We can’t wait to see all that God has in store for us, especially as we step into marriage. With so much love and gratitude, 
AJ & T