faith, hope, and love

Clay and Anne met on September 22, 2024, at Radius Carolina Church in Columbia, South Carolina, a night that neither of them expected to change their lives forever. It was Clay’s very first night attending the church, and Anne’s first night back since moving home from Charleston. During worship, Anne noticed Clay a few rows ahead of her, standing with his hands lifted high, fully surrendered in praise. Something about the humility and reverence in his worship caught her attention. When the service ended and she saw him face to face, she was smitten but wasn’t looking for a relationship, so she quietly turned to head home. As she walked out the door, she heard a voice behind her call out, “Ma’am, ma’am!” It was Clay. He’d seen her too and wasn’t going to let her walk away without a chance to say hello. They talked for a moment, just long enough to know there was something special, and planned a lunch date later that week at Andy’s Deli, one of Columbia’s classics. Over sandwiches and sweet tea, they learned about each other’s lives. Clay had just moved to Columbia from Louisiana, and Anne was settling back into her hometown. The connection was instant. That weekend, they went to a Clemson football game together and from that trip forward, they were inseparable. Since that September night, Clay and Anne have continued to worship together every week at Radius, growing not only in love, but in their shared walk with the Lord. Their relationship is deeply rooted in faith, gratitude, and a desire to honor God in everything they do. Their favorite memories are simple, floating the river, traveling to new places, long walks, live music, and spending time with the people they love most, their families. But above all, they are excited to see what God will do through the covenant they are making, hand in hand.