David asked me to check his form in the gym in late March 2022. From there, we exchanged snapchats to share gym tips. We had our first date on April 7, 2022. He took me for hibachi (which we all know he loves). We were so invested in our conversation that we did not notice when the server brought out our food and it got cold before we could eat it. It was a heartwarming night full of laughter. We have been nearly inseparable ever since! We find a lot of of happiness in encouraging each other, growing together, and seeing each other win. We are excited to be on the same team for the rest of ever!

When I moved to South Carolina in 2021, I felt really lonely. I planned a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains in the fall when the changing colors of the leaves were peaking to enjoy spending time by myself where I watched the sunset at Clingman's Dome. This is the highest peak in the park. It made me feel so small and reminded me that life is beautiful no matter how hard it can be. When David and I had our first fall together, we decided to make going to Clingman's Dome when the leaves are peaking an annual tradition of ours. Our first time going, however, it was overcast and we could not see a thing. We learned from there to check the weather before going. We enjoyed this adventure so much that David started telling me he loves me "to Clingman's and back." The overcast memories made it even sweeter when we went twice this past year and caught two gorgeous sunsets. The second time we went, David surprised me and I had not expected the day trip to the Smokys. When we were at Clingman's waiting on the sun to begin setting, David stepped away while I was taking photos of the sunset by myself. When he came back over to me, he asked me if I wanted to take photos with him. He asked a photographer to take our pictures. In the middle of the pictures, I looked to my right and David was down on one knee holding a beautiful ring with the biggest smile. I got down on my knees and hugged him before he could even ask. We laughed and cried. Everyone else at the observation tower clapped for us. It was unforgettable. Our love makes us feel on top of the world, and I couldn't imagine a more perfect proposal for our story. We can't wait to celebrate with each and every one of you at a reception September 7, 2024!