Our story began in a very 21st century way when we met through a dating app. Right away it was clear we had very similar values and interests. At the time, McKenna was finishing her senior year at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA while Andy was stationed at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, GA. For our first date, we got tacos at Del Sur, a Statesboro classic, and ice cream for dessert. We don't like the phrase "love at first sight", but we definitely felt an instant connection from that very first night. Since then we have been fortunate enough to have many more nights full of tacos, ice cream, and love.

Earlier in the week, we had made plans to wake up early, grab breakfast, and spend the day at one of our favorite places- Tybee Island Beach. The morning started at a local breakfast spot where we enjoyed chocolate chip waffles together. When we arrived at the beach, it was packed so we made the trek further down the shoreline past the crowd so we could enjoy a little peace and quiet together. After spending a few hours sunbathing, swimming, and eating gummy bears we decided to head towards the snack shack for a drink. After buying our drinks Andy suggested we walk to the Tybee Island Lighthouse. Due to COVID-19 the lighthouse was closed to the public, but we snuck past the front gates thinking we wouldn't cause any harm. The lighthouse is surrounded by a picturesque white picket fence. As we reached the fence, we stopped in the shade right under a group of beautiful green trees. Andy began expressing his feelings for me and reminding me of his long-term intentions, which wasn't totally irregular. I didn't immediately realize this was the start of Andy's proposal, but as the lovely sentiments continued I began asking myself "Is he proposing right now!? Is this it!?". Before I knew it, Andy was down on one knee asking me to marry him. It was the easiest YES I've ever said. In the moments after our engagement, we called our parents to tell share the news (Andy had already clued all parents in on his plans for the proposal). After talking to our parents we decided not to tell or call anyone else just yet, instead, we returned to the beach for a little more time together and to cherish the moment in our own private way. We enjoyed a few more hours of the sun, sand, and sea before returning home to share our wonderful news with the rest of our family and friends.