Alexis and Alex’s story began in 2018 during their first week at cross country camp at UT Martin. As new sophomore transfers on the same team with similar names, birthdays, and blue eyes, it was only natural that they shared a birthday cake and a photo together that week. Despite their many similarities, it wasn’t until the following year that sparks flew. Working together to push themselves and their teams to new heights, they discovered a deeper connection. Their first date was at a local pumpkin patch in Martin, TN, in the fall of 2019. Since then, Alex and Alexis have been virtually inseparable, running, studying, cooking, traveling, and occasionally watching really bad reality TV together. After dating through their final three years of college, they moved in together in Middle TN upon graduation in 2022. A year later, they relocated to Knoxville, where they’ve made a home while Alexis pursues her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee and Alex works in finance in the energy industry. During their three years in Knoxville, they’ve taken many trips together and spent nights backpacking in the Smokies. They’ve loved sharing their home with two cats, Beans and Cornbread, and enjoy running their dog-sitting side hustle together. They also love trying new cuisines and discovering new favorite spots around town. In May 2025, Alex planned a trip to Europe for the two of them to explore Austria and Hungary. In Vienna, at Schönbrunn Palace, he dropped to one knee for a surprise proposal. A disguised photographer captured the moment perfectly, creating a memory they will always cherish.