Our paths first crossed in 2017 at High Point University, not over coffee or a quiet introduction, but across a volleyball net. As presidents of our respective men’s club volleyball teams, we were rivals—fiercely competitive, passionate about the game, and unafraid to challenge each other. Which didn’t help that Zac immediately caught my eye—tall, handsome, and absolute beast on the court (Don’t tell him I said that last part)—but it was his playful confidence and quick wit that truly made him stand out. Every time I threw out a little trash talk, he met it with a smirk and one of his own. I had met my match. Though the chemistry was there from the start, we stayed focused on our teams and roles, keeping conversations focused the sport and organizing tournaments. Still, curiosity got the better of us in 2018 when we went on our first date to Maggiano’s. We were both excited (and admittedly nervous), hoping it would be something special. But timing wasn’t quite on our side and life pulled us in different directions. To top it off, when Zac dropped me off at the end of the night, my dad was standing outside—needless to say, the romantic goodbye we’d both imagined never quite happened. Then, in August of 2023, I saw Zac was back in the Raleigh area, and I felt that familiar spark again. Without hesitation, I reached out, and we met for dinner and drinks at Bar Louie. It felt effortless—like no time had passed, and yet everything had changed. This time… I finally got that kiss. It was the one we had waited years for, and it was perfect. Since then, our love has deepened in ways we never could’ve imagined back in those early days. We’ve learned how to communicate with honesty and grace, to hold space for each other’s vulnerabilities, and to grow both individually and together. What began as playful rivalry has transformed into a quiet, unwavering partnership built on trust, laughter, and endless love. From trash talking on the court to building a life full of love off of it, our journey has been unexpected, beautiful, and perfectly ours. A love that was worth the wait.

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, in the heart of the blooming rose garden at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, Zac asked me to spend forever with him. The entire weekend had already felt like a dream. We had driven up to Asheville on Friday, spending the afternoon hopping from one charming brewery to the next before catching up with our friends, Catie and Ryan, for dinner and drinks. The next morning, we all dressed up for a day exploring the city—brunch, mimosas, and lots of laughter set the tone for what I thought was just another beautiful summer day. Although a small part of me hoped this might be the weekend, I had convinced myself not to expect too much. Family and friends had dropped hints that made me think the timing wasn’t right, and Zac—along with Catie—had me completely convinced that the ring wasn’t even ready yet. After brunch, Zac and I arrived at the Biltmore Estate ahead of our friends, so we wandered into the conservatory. It was humbling to walk through such a lush, magnificent space, filled with vibrant greenery—each plant seemingly thriving with a grace and strength that reminded us of how far we’d come together. Once Catie and Ryan arrived, we all made our way into the rose garden and started snapping pictures—first of them, then of us. I handed Catie her things and gave her my purse to hold, then turned around—and there Zac was, wearing a blue jacket I hadn’t seen all day. Confused (and more than a little amused, since it was warm out), I asked him where the jacket came from. He gently took my hands, smiled, and said, “Enough about the jacket.” And then, everything shifted. Zac began speaking words so sincere, so full of love and intention, that I immediately knew: this was it. I was overwhelmed with emotion, tears welling as the realization washed over me. Then, from that very same jacket, he pulled out a small box—the ring I was sure wasn’t ready—and asked me to marry him with the most joyful, loving smile. I said yes, of course. Without hesitation, without doubt, the purest “yes” I’ve ever spoken. I was so swept up in the moment that parts of it became a blur. I thought he hadn’t even knelt and accused him of having not done so, until photos and video later reminded me—he had, and it was perfect. A professional photographer appeared (another surprise), and after hugs and cheers with Catie and Ryan, we spent the next hour soaking in the moment, calling loved ones, and capturing the first of many memories as fiancés. Later that afternoon, Zac and I went to the Biltmore’s wine tasting while our friends toured the house. When we shared our news, the bartender offered us a limited-edition red wine usually reserved for members. It was our favorite of the day—and, naturally, we brought a bottle home to remember it by. Zac later shared his planning process with me—complete with notes, timelines, a video of him seeing the ring for the first time, and even secret lunch meetings with my mother. That evening, my heart was full as we celebrated at the Sunset Terrace at the Omni Grove Park Inn, a dinner lovingly sponsored by my brother, Damon. The views were breathtaking, the food unforgettable, but more than anything, I was moved by the love and care everyone had poured into making this moment so magical. As if the weekend wasn’t already overflowing with love, it continued into Sunday. I thought we were heading home for Father’s Day lunch… until we walked into my parents’ house and were met with cheers, champagne, and the smiling faces of both our families and closest friends. What I believed to be a casual lunch was a surprise engagement party, beautifully orchestrated by my mom and my dear friend Ellison. It was a weekend I’ll never forget—filled with thoughtful details, genuine emotion, and the people who mean the most to us. Zac’s proposal wasn’t just a question; it was a promise, spoken from the heart, surrounded by love, and felt in every fiber of my being.