It’s a simple, sweet story. On April 18th standing over the edge of Pine Mountain, Dylan and I wed in front of our immediate family. Although it's not what we planned, I was humbly reminded what our marriage ceremony was always supposed to be about -- love, family, and God. Standing in the shadow of a wooden cross Dylan built, we spoke our vows in awe of the day that was finally upon us. After what felt like the longest, most confusing engagement season, we were both so emotional and thankful it was finally time to become husband and wife. My favorite part of our ceremony was being reminded marriage is a covenant with our Heavenly Father promising to love and serve our spouse as Jesus loved and served the church. That simple truth is what surrounded our ceremony and has continued to surround us during these past few months of marriage. Although we try to live out the vows we spoke, at the end of the day marriage is not always easy and without the grace and love of Jesus Christ, Dylan and I’s relationship just wouldn’t be as sweet. Yet even with the challenges of life, we still wake up every day in awe that we found each other and the love that we share. After lots of giggles, babbling tears, and advice we said, “I DO!” and our life together began. Then after family hugs and pictures taken by our most talented friend Erin, we drove to our Atlanta home and twirled around the kitchen to our first dance song. Thinking back on that day I am reminded sometimes the simplest moments end up being the sweetest memories.

It all started with a tropical storm forecast & a secretly freaked out Dylan... We were sitting on the beach when we noticed a huge storm cell approaching North Carolina on the days we were supposed to go camping at Max Patch with a bunch of friends. Dylan texted everyone asking if we could leave a day early to beat the storm. Confused, I was questioning why we should the leave the perfect weather at the beach to risk going camping in a huge storm? Unbeknownst to me, this trip meant a lot more to Dylan than just a typical weekend in the woods. The morning we were set to leave I rolled out of bed, barely brushed my hair and put on some clothes. In my head, I was about to be in the woods for a couple days.. why did I need to look fabulous?? When Dylan picked me up, he asked if I was going to put any makeup on. Confused and slightly offended, I said um no.. We are only going camping? He saved his booty by reminding me our friend Erin was a photographer and would be taking lots of pictures of us throughout the weekend. It was too early to care, so I still didn't put on any makeup.. Once at Max Patch, we met up with our friends and had the best time. Dylan asked if I wanted to go get some coffee down at the campsite and of course I said yes. By the time we walked back to the top of Max Patch, Dylan was tugging me towards the blanket (set up by our sneaky friends) looking over the mountains. Through teary eyes, I watched as Dylan poured out his heart to me and dropped down to one knee. I immediately dropped down to his level and wrapped my arms around his neck saying YES! After wiping a lot of happy tears, I realized the ring was still in the box and joked if he was forgetting something. As it was fumbled onto my finger, I saw the most beautiful ring and the smile of the man who chose forever with me. I can't wait to grow old with my best friend!! The rest of the night was celebrated with sweet friends and yummy hotdogs... and not a drop of rain!