Forever just got a whole lot better!

Shane and I have actually known each other since 2014, although we didn't start dating until 2017. We both attended Florida State University (go Noles) and the same campus ministry (go FSU Wesley). We had several mutual friends, attended the same events at our campus ministry, volunteered at our after school tutoring program together, and hung out in groups together, but never really got to know each other individually. I (Casey) always thought Shane was cute and was intrigued by him, though. Apparently, Shane had no idea.

Then, in the summer of 2016, I started working at FSU Wesley, where Shane was already on staff, and we began to spend more time together. Shane and I both accepted full-time jobs at Wesley for the next school year, and pretty soon, our good working relationship turned into a great friendship. Through work, I got to see Shane's incredible work ethic, and his stand-up character. He became the person I felt most comfortable talking to and joking with. In February, we took a trip to Providence Canyon in Georgia together, and it was the day we both realized our feelings for each other, but again, neither of us said anything. That next week, Shane asked me out to dinner and afterward, we walked around the local park where he (awkwardly) told me he liked me. I told him the feeling was mutual, and we discussed how this new information would effect our work. After talking to our pastor to make sure it was okay, we made our relationship official. Our relationship was intentional from the start, and consisted of lots of adventures, road trips, cooking meals together, deep conversations, and working on communication. Our favorite thing to do is to be outside hiking with our dog, Millie, climbing, and searching for good food, beer, and coffee. In September of 2018, Shane moved to North Carolina after accepting an exciting job opportunity, and our relationship became long distance.

After Shane moved away, it didn't take long (like, as soon as he left the parking lot) for us to realize that we wanted to go through life together long-term. Long distance required more intentional communication and time together, and made us realize the little, everyday moments together that we took for granted. We talked a lot about our future and marriage and what we wanted that to look like. In January of 2019, I returned to Providence Canyon in Georgia to go hiking with friends. Little did I know, Shane was waiting just around the bend to surprise me and propose! I was a little suspicious that something was going to happen that day, but he had even more surprises in store for me, because our closest friends and both of our families were there as well! We celebrated with a picnic, and then spent the day hiking together. It was perfect!

We are so excited to celebrate the start of our lives together with our family and friends. Thank you so much for joining us for our special day! We are so grateful for the role each of you have had in our lives, and the memories we've shared along the way.