We met on move-in day our freshman year at Auburn. We fell into the same friend group, but weren't really close until our sophomore year when we realized we shared several common interests. That friendship developed into a crush, and we talked about dating. However long distance and needed personal growth in the Lord kept that from coming to fruition. The next several years we mostly saw each other in passing and at group events, until we again grew close during the Fall of our senior year. While visiting a close friend in Ohio over our last Christmas break, our affections were stirred. We got back to school and went to a concert in Birmingham together, after which those affections were cautiously shared. We were delighted that they were mutual, and we began dating in January of 2018.

After graduation our relationship became long distance, which was a real bummer. Thankfully Jackson is wonderful and went out of his way to come spend time with me regardless of what crazy schedule he was working or what location he was in. I have never had to doubt how much he cares for me, and I would describe our relationship as simple, solid and sweet. One of the times that he came to visit me, he was only very briefly passing through Birmingham to visit his family outside of Tuscaloosa. I only saw him for a few minutes as I picked him up from the airport. When I got home from work that evening, I was very surprised to find flowers and lit candles in my apartment. As I was taking it in, Jackson came into my living room in a suit (looking very handsome) and I realized what must be happening. I asked him what he was doing in my apartment, and he told me that he had a question to ask me. I freaked out. He came close to me and told me that he loved me and wanted to be with me forever, so would I marry him? I said of course! And I am so excited to spend my life with this man! I feel as though God crafted him for me especially, and I am so very grateful.