In the fall of 2019, Kirsti, a mutual friend of the couple mentioned to Stacey as they were driving to work that she had a friend she wanted her to meet. Within a few days, Stacey and Kirsti had worked out a plan to get Alex out for drinks. It was during drinks, Stacey knew she liked Alex, but he had no idea what he was getting himself into. Once the evening was finished, Alex ensured that Stacey made it home safely, then parted ways- only to hangout everyday the following week. By this point Thanksgiving was here, and Stacey had to work that day, Alex was home with his family. Once Stacey was off, Alex piled a plate high with leftovers and treated Stacey to her own Thanksgiving meal at home. It was then that he worked up the courage to officially ask her out. The first date happened on December 5th, 2019, and the rest is history.

In the Spring of 2021, while living in Pearl, Mississippi, Alex called up his dad to ask for help buying an engagement ring. Once the ring came, Alex drove 471 miles from Pearl, Mississippi to Rogers, Arkansas to ask Stacey’s dad for her hand in marriage. It was during that conversation, that the planning began. The goal was to demonstrate a life of adventure, and get a pretty backdrop for pictures. Luckily, Alex had the help of Stacey’s dad and sister to devise a plan that August 7th would the day. Fast forward to August 7th, and here we are in Rogers, Arkansas getting ready to go hiking. Alex made sure to look unenthusiastic, because Stacey would’ve known something was up. With the ring in tow, Alex, Stacey, and some of her family embarked on hiking Hawksbill Crag. Once up at the top, Alex pulled Stacey to the edge, and pointed to a nonexistent hawk for her to look at. When she turned, he went down on one knee. Stacey quickly turned back around and saw him on his knee where he asked, “Will you marry me?” She said YES, with the moment captured on camera. After the hike, Stacey assumed the fun was over and it was time to start planning, but Alex had another surprise up his sleeve. Once cleaned up, they went out to eat, and it was at Smokin’ Joe’s that she was surprised with multiple of their closest friends and family that had traveled from out of town to celebrate the newly engaged couple.