How We Met: By fate, Carlena and Grant’s paths crossed at their workplace, Old Overton Club. Grant had been there for nearly five years as an Assistant Golf Professional when Carlena was hired in May of 2022 as the Director of Catering and Events. Carlena had recently moved to Birmingham and, at the time, had a boyfriend—but she immediately caught Grant’s eye in more ways than one. What stood out most to him was her love for the Lord and the joy she brought into every room she entered. The two quickly became close friends, forming a great team at work and naturally blending their friend groups outside of it. Over time, their lives began to intertwine. Eventually, Carlena ended her previous relationship, and it seemed like everyone knew Grant had feelings for her—everyone except the one person who mattered most: Carlena herself. They spent countless evenings together, often at their favorite local spot, OnTap, where friendship slowly grew into something deeper. Though the spark was undeniable, both were nervous—Carlena especially—about risking the friendship they cherished so much. After many nights of hesitation and Grant working up the courage, he finally asked Carlena on a date to Perry’s on November 18, 2023. That night confirmed what they had both been feeling: this friendship was something truly special. Just one month later, right before the holidays, Grant asked Carlena to be his girlfriend—excited to head home and proudly tell everyone how lucky he was and how incredible she is. Dating & Moving In: Once they made things official, there was something undeniable about Carlena and Grant. They couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces. They were truly happy and deeply falling in love. They filled their time with adventures—weekends at Lake Martin with Grant’s best man Nick and friends, trips to Savannah to visit Spencer and Kara, traveling to Michigan to see Grant’s family and camp, visiting Carlena’s parents in Huntsville, a trip out to Vegas to visit Carlena’s best friend Sarah Friedberg and her husband & a special trip to the family farm in Iowa, and many more memories along the way. In the midst of all this, Grant’s apartment lease was coming to an end, and together they made the big decision to move into Carlena’s rented townhome. That step brought them even closer, strengthening their bond and allowing them to truly begin building a life side by side. The Engagement September 7, 2025 will forever be one of the most meaningful days in Carlena and Grant’s lives. That morning, Grant gave his life to the Lord and was baptized at Church of the Highlands. The outpouring of support was overwhelming—best friends, loved ones, and members of Old Overton who had become family all showed up to celebrate him. What Carlena didn’t know was that they were there for her too. After the baptism, as everyone began to leave, Grant asked Carlena to pray over him in the middle of the church courtyard. Following her heartfelt prayer, Grant tried to speak—but nerves took over like never before. Then, in that sacred moment, he dropped to one knee and said, “Now that I have given my life to the Lord, I am now able to give you my whole life. Will you marry me, Carlena Carter?” Of course, she said yes. The celebration continued with a surprise engagement party at their best friends Nick and Kika’s home, surrounded by the people who love them most. It was a day filled with faith, joy, and overwhelming love—a perfect beginning to the next chapter of their story.