Caleb and Ashley met in high school in 2016, and started dating soon after despite going to different schools. Caleb was a senior and Ashley was a junior. After graduating in 2017 Caleb stayed local, while Ashley graduated in 2018 and attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh... GO PACK! They were long-distance for four years while Ashley was in college, but they created so many memories together when Caleb would come to visit her. Ashley graduated in 2022 and Caleb began to pursue his piloting career. Caleb proposed in March of 2023, and now the two are so excited to begin this patiently-awaited next chapter of their lives together! “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-5

Caleb and I met in 2016 when we were both in high school. We went to different schools and did not know each other. But, both of us played instruments and auditioned for All-County band, a program that accepts only a small number of high school students in the county. We were both selected and attended the clinic in November. The first day of rehearsal was the first time we ever saw each other, but I was too focused to really notice anyone. Before the concert at the end of the second day, I noticed that Caleb kept staring at me but I didn’t think anything of it, other than the fact that I thought he was really cute. By the end of the concert, I was ready to see my family and head home because I had a lot of homework to do. Little did I know, Caleb was searching all over for me but couldn’t find me and prayed to God asking for help. I was completely unaware! As I was outside heading to my car to go home, I saw Caleb running after me with his hand reaching out to stop me. Shocked, I stood in place realizing it was the same boy I thought was really attractive. As I was wondering why he stopped me, he began casually talking about the concert and apologized for holding me up. He said he thought I was really pretty and asked for my number. He already started to joke with me and show his goofy side. I then rushed home and immediately called my best friend Emily to tell her all about this super cute guy who asked for my number. I was so happy. Caleb texted me later that night and we talked for hours and clicked immediately. It was truly love at first sight. We have been together since 2016 and I couldn't imagine my life without him. Caleb told me about his prayers to God as he searched for me that night after we had been dating for a few years. His prayers were answered as I came around the corner, allowing him to stop me and ask for my number. This is how I know the Lord brought Caleb and I together and that we were always meant to be, now and forever.

Caleb has been pursuing a Career as a pilot, so he told me he was going to fly us to Oak Island the day after my birthday for my birthday dinner. Oak Island is very special to us since we go every year to celebrate the Fourth of July. After flying for about an hour and fifteen minutes, we arrived at Oak Island airport where Caleb was able to get a free Suburban SUV rental car for us. He took us to one of our favorite restaurants on the island and we both decided we were going to get our favorite shrimp nachos. When we got to the restaurant I saw that our table was the only one with flowers and a beach view, so I started to have an idea of what was going to happen that day. I later noticed a photography stand set on the beach with a man testing his camera, and I couldn’t help but think that it was for us. After eating our delicious dinner, Caleb decided to take us outside on the beach and walk near the water. I followed him and I could tell he was nervous. When we got down to the water, he turned to me and started dropping rose petals at our feet. He took my hands and told me how much he loves me and cherishes me, and that he wants to live the rest of his life with me. He was crying more than I was at this point! After finishing what he wanted to say, Caleb gave me a hug and went down on one knee asking me to marry him, all while crying and struggling to get his words out. I was shocked but also the happiest I’ve ever been. The photographer I saw at dinner recorded the whole proposal and gave us a photoshoot afterward. Caleb flew us back to Greensboro and everything was so perfect. We were both so happy and excited to tell family and friends. We can’t wait for this next chapter that God has crafted and placed so perfectly!