Although I remember spying on Devon at middle school church lock-ins, we didn't officially meet until our senior year of high school. Thanks to a mutual friend, we met in the middle of a volleyball court after one of my games and seamlessly fell into quality conversation. Now I don't know if I believe in love at first sight, but maybe there's such thing as love at first chat? Needless to say, we clicked. In the words of Devon, "I knew there was something different about this girl, different from any girl I had met, and I couldn't let that be the last time we talked." So, he sliddd into my twitter messages that night and from there our story began! I am always amazed at how consistently and patiently he pursued me throughout our relationship--from when he picked me up on our first date to when he got down on one knee to propose. I don't know what God did to convince Devon to love me in such a way as this, but boy, did it feel DIVINE. Devon asked me to be his girlfriend on December 8, 2013 in the driveway of his neighbors house (so romantic). After graduation, we were forced to date long distance as Devon moved to West Palm to play college basketball and I moved to Gainesville to become a Gator. Long distance was difficult, but I am thankful for the ways it taught Devon and I about communication, trust, and prioritization. And while the heart grew fonder, I was ecstatic that Devon transferred to UF for Fall of 2016. And that's where we have been since then! Devon and I have been dating for over 4.5 years now. With each passing day, month, year, I praise God for the ways he has molded and shaped our relationship into what will soon be a covenantal relationship. We are two broken people with a whole lot of love in our hearts for one another and for the God who knit us together in our mother's wombs. I hope our relationship, wedding day, and marriage are a reflection of the glory of God that has been displayed in our lives... We can't wait to celebrate with you!

I'll let Devon take the reigns on this one... Well, the day had finally come: The day every young man in love longs for as he imagines himself dropping down on one knee to ask the girl of his dreams to forever be his. I simply could not believe it was finally happening as I got up that morning and anxiously plowed through my breakfast. This day had been long awaited, carefully planned for, and dreamed about non stop ever since I knew I loved Erin, and especially since the day that I had breakfast with her father asking for his blessing 3 months prior. As I prepared to leave the house, my mom hugged and kissed me with joy in her eyes, and sent me off as I left to pick up Erin. Erin thought we were going on a double date with her brother Brett and his wife on Park Ave, but what she didn’t know was that it was a ploy to get her dressed up and headed towards Kraft Azaela Garden, one of our favorite date spots, for a sunset engagement by the lake. Erin talked the whole car ride over, and I nervously nodded my head and occasionally replied, “Mmhhmm,” a feeble attempt to disguise the fact that I was eagerly awaiting the most important moment of my life. Once we turned onto Alabama Dr, my cover was blown, as Erin knew the only place that lied ahead. She kept her cool, however, as I walked her to the spot where it would all happen. I sat her on the beautiful, Tuscan-inspired sitting area facing the lake, next to a stack of prayers I’d written and prayed over her for the past 3 months. I knelt down beside her, affirming my love for her and desire to spend my life with her as I washed her feet. Well, she said yes, and we began to laugh, embrace, and make other various excitement noises as we celebrated our new intent for eternal commitment. We headed back to my house full of friends, family, and food eager to begin partying the night away. How great it is to be surrounded by those you love most, celebrating the love you have for your new fiancé. We are truly blessed!