We met five years ago during my senior year of high school, when we were both 18. Through mutual friends we found each other, which soon led to a few dates. From the very first date, I felt certain in my heart that this was the man I would marry. On one of our early dates, we went downtown for ice cream. When he dropped me off that night, he prayed and asked God to show him if I was the one. When he finished praying, he looked up at my window and saw a single star shining above it, standing alone in the sky. In that moment, he knew God had answered his prayer. Looking back, we see how clearly God was writing our story from the very beginning-guiding our paths, confirming our hearts, and leading us to each other. What started as a simple introduction became a love rooted in faith, trust, and God’s perfect timing.

He proposed in North Carolina at Pretty Place Chapel, a location that held special meaning for us long before we ever stood there together. We drove from Chattanooga on a day trip, something we’ve always loved doing for fun dates and little adventures. The trip was planned, but I had no idea where we were going. Every hour he dropped little hints along the way-some sweet and some intentionally tricky (haha)-keeping me guessing the entire drive. When we had just started dating five years ago, we talked about how beautiful Pretty Place Chapel was and how it would be the perfect place for a proposal one day. I never imagined that he would remember that conversation or turn it into reality. He even hired one of my friends to secretly take pictures, and it meant so much knowing that both of them put in the effort to drive 3.5 hours just to capture such a special moment. Standing there that day, it was clear that every detail had been thoughtfully planned and that God’s hand was in every part of our story.