we'll celebrate on july 17, 2021

Gaven slid in those DMs on a Sunday. I remember because he misspelled Sunday as subday and then made a joke about it.

After almost a month of texting and Skype calls Gaven drove to Belmont's campus to pick me up and take me to Barista Parlor to talk over coffee and hot chocolate. After about 2 hours of talking we went back to my dorm, watched Dinner for Shmucks, and ate PB&Js and easy mac (had to flex those wife skills).

After a few more dates and a lot of texting and Skype calls Gaven took me on a double date with his best friend, Stephen. We went to Barista Parlor and Two Boots Pizza, and then walked around Belmont's campus. As we were walking through one of Belmont's gazebos Gaven stopped and asked me to be his girlfriend.

It was the last day of the annual Marlow family beach trip to Fort Morgan, Alabama and Gaven said he wanted to do some final shopping at the outlet mall. When we got there Gaven said he wanted to treat me out so he'd pay for whatever I wanted - he's done this several times before so it didn't seem suspicious or anything (in case you wanted to know: I got a Vera Bradley lanyard for my school ID, a blanket, and a candle #bigspender). We grabbed a quick lunch and then started driving home so we could get ready for family pictures before everyone left the next day. As we were taking some group pictures Gaven's mom wanted to get a shot of everyone turned around looking out at the water. When I turned around as everyone else walked away I saw everyone with their phones and cameras out and pointing at us. I turn to look at Gaven and he's down on one knee! A solid 30 seconds after I said "yes!" through a fountain of tears, I finally saw my dad was in the crowd taking pictures with my mom! Gaven had coordinated with them to come down and be a part of the celebration! When we went back inside there were balloons, decorations, and champagne! Plus my favorite meal of Mrs. Marlow's (chicken and sausage gumbo) AND my favorite cake (chantilly cake from Publix). It was a perfect day surrounded by family and my favorite things!

In the midst of the pandemic, we decided to not let 2020 steal our joy. We were joined as husband and wife by Chuck Arnett at the Cookeville Courthouse with immediate family in attendance. And more family and friends attending via Zoom.

THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN! We can't wait to celebrate our first year of marriage with you. Get ready for a fun night of drinking, dancing, and delicious food at Cedarmont Farm! We look forward to seeing you there - don't forget to RSVP above!