First time that we met, I (Charissa) remember sitting at Collegeside Church of Christ for my first Sunday in Cookeville. Evan and another freshman had asked me if the spots next to me were taken. Since they were open, he sat next to me. Once we stood up for the song, all I said to my friend next to me was “I wonder how tall the guy next to me is.” But in reality, we first met the following weekend at the UCSC (University Christian Student Center) Welcome Retreat for freshman and transfers. We talked and even met some people that we would soon call our closest friends. But ever since that day, we haven’t stopped talking to one another. I am very grateful to have met Evan through UCSC and grew our relationship together, with God, and with our friends.

As Charissa and I continued to discuss our plans for marriage, we decided a good time would be shortly after I graduate from college in December. I knew that Charissa would anticipate that I would propose near the start of my final semester. So when I invited Charissa to visit me in Cookeville on the weekend of August 30, I knew she would figure out why. So I planned all of our activities for the entire time she was there, so she would not know when it would happen. On Friday, August 30, we went on a hike at Burgess Falls. Once we made it to the top of the falls, I let Charissa know that I had something to tell her. She was so excited because she knew where I was going! Once I pulled out the ring I don't fully remember everything I said next except that she said yes!

Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

2278 Hwy 70 E, Cookeville, TN 38506