Although no one actually knows the day we met, our relationship began at Clemson University during the Spring semester of our senior year. We were enjoying our last few months at Clemson before we ventured off into the real world, then one night in Loose Change 'changed' our lives forever. I had already decided to pursue my dream of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M, so moving halfway across the country strongly discouraged me from looking for anything serious. However, what they say is true - when you know, you just know. All of the incredible times we had and memories we made during that semester at Clemson solidified the notion that we would do anything to make it work after graduation, even if it meant having to survive an indefinite long distance relationship. Two long years later, we no longer had to pick up the phone just to say hello or get on a plane to see each other. And now, four years later, our dog Koda has never been happier to have her Mom and Dad under the same roof.

The day before we were set to travel to Lake Toxaway to see our families for the yearly week-long July 4th party, I was set to ask the most important question of my life. With the incredible help from 2 very good friends of mine, Marina Edmonds and Anthony Marini, I was ready to surprise Evelyn on top of Mt. Bonnell in Austin, TX. Anthony picked Evelyn up for 'dinner with some friends' and Marina was hiding in the bushes ready to capture the moment. Although I had spent months preparing for this moment including an entire speech expressing how grateful I am to have Evelyn in my life, and my unwavering commitment to a future with her, the only words that came to mind when I saw Evelyn come around the corner were "Evelyn, what're you doing here?". In shock, her response was "I don't know, what are YOU doing here??". From there my gameplan was immediately forgotten and to this day, I'm not sure what I even said. The only thing I know for sure is that it ended with me on one knee and Evelyn saying yes. The next few days were filled with happiness and excitement as we celebrated with friends and family, and are now looking forward to an amazing life together.