Our story began in June of 2023 with a simple tap—Annie liked a photo of Gray’s family black lab on Hinge, and everything started to unfold from there. After we matched, Gray invited Annie to trivia at Swan Brewing in Lakeland. We hit it off right away and went on a few more dates, but with Annie just settling back into town, the timing wasn’t quite right, and we went our separate ways. A few months later, life stepped back in. When Annie joined Earn Your Stripes in December of 2023, we kept running into each other—quick smiles between workouts, small conversations, and that familiar spark neither of us had forgotten. Eventually, Gray asked Annie to join a group for pickleball. After a few games and some playful competitiveness, Annie realized she wasn’t ready to let this connection slip away again and reached back out. Our “second first date” at Food + Beer in Lakeland felt easy, fun, and exactly right. From then on, we were inseparable. Gray officially asked Annie to be his girlfriend on April 26, 2024, and the year and a half that followed was filled with everything we love—EYS workouts, sporting events, sunny boat days in Boca Grande, dog play dates, and lots of time spent with friends and family. Through every season, we both felt God’s hand gently guiding our story—opening doors, closing others, and bringing us back together when the time was right. On November 25, 2025, what Annie thought would be simple family photos turned into a moment she’ll never forget. Gray got down on one knee, and with both of our families there to celebrate, she said yes. Now we’re counting down to our wedding day—grateful for God’s perfect timing and for the love that always found its way back to us