Carson would love for me to start this story by saying that he was "totally smooth and not nervous at all" when he asked me to go on our first date. This isn't quite how I remember the story, but his nervous excitement and thoughtfulness definitely showed his genuine nature and loving character. He worked so hard to make sure that our first date was special, and he quickly started the tradition of "doing something fun" on our dates together. We started the date by going to a delicious local Italian bistro (where I learned why most people avoid ordering spaghetti and wearing a white shirt on a date). I distinctly remember being surprised that there were no awkward pauses during that dinner. Carson has always been so funny, kind, and easy to talk to, and we connected really quickly with our similar interests and values. Carson had originally planned for us to go-kart after our date, but the adventure park was closed due to cold temperatures. When we arrived at the park and realized it was closed, Carson worried so much that our date was ruined. But as silly as it sounds, I'm so grateful that his original didn't work. My favorite part of the date was seeing his character through plans that didn't work out. He was calm and optimistic, and we easily found another adventure: mini-golf. (He was even a good sport when he realized that I was going to win, hahaha). So many times in life, things just don't go according to plan but my future husband always takes those things in stride and reminds me to enjoy what does happen. He is wise, patient, kind, and creative and his character stood out from our first day together. I've wanted to spend my life with him ever since.

This past December, just two days before Christmas, I asked Madeline to marry me. After months of planning and agonizing over the details of the location, plan, and which ring to buy, the day had finally arrived. With the help of my parents, siblings, and some of Madeline's soon-to-be bridesmaids, I took over Gardner-Webb's beautiful Dover Chapel. The chapel holds significance to me. It is a place where both she and I have spent much time worshiping and singing The Lord's praises. It is beautiful inside and I couldn't imagine proposing anywhere else. We decorated the room with lanterns, stringed lights, candles, and rose petals. Despite all the beautiful decorations, the most beautiful part had yet to arrive (Madeline). Each passing minute made me more stressed out, more nervous, and more of a "groomzilla" (Sorry to my family for enduring me, haha). I desperately wanted this day to be perfect for her. Madeline and her family were traveling back from Dollywood and I had planned for them to drop her off outside the chapel. We had original planned for them to take family Christmas pictures around campus that afternoon, and for Madeline to find me on bended knee in the chapel at the end of the photoshoot. Unfortunately, it was pouring rain so this plan was out. I still needed to find a way for her to get to the chapel without being suspicious. She is very clever and not easily tricked. I diverged a plan to "meet our friends Megan and Christian" who live in Boiling Springs for dinner. I said that "we could carpool together by meeting at the chapel." Somehow it worked and the plan was in place.

After we decorated everything, my family and her roommate hid in the prayer room, and our friend Joy hid inside the chapel to capture the moment with pictures. I stood at the altar for what seemed like the longest 20 minutes of my life. When she finally arrived, she walked down the gorgeously lit and decorated aisle with tears in her eyes. I have never seen a more lovely person. I shared words with her that only she will ever know. I got down on one knee and asked her to be my wife. Thankfully she said yes. Astonishingly, I made it through the entirety of what I wanted to say without crying. (This is impressive for those that know me). After a hug that I never wanted to end, I took her by the hand and led her back up the aisle. We opened the door to the room of my family and our friends. Our smiles beamed, and our celebration was unmatched. After we cleaned everything up, she and I proceeded to take many, many, many more pictures. We face-timed, called, and texted all of our friends who couldn't be there to celebrate with us. Then, we had a wonderful day together- just the 2 of us. I am so thankful for all of our family and friends who helped make this day so special. Thank you all so very much. I love you all. Most of all, I love you, Madeline. I can't wait to marry you.