Our paths first crossed in Durham, NC at the 2009 ACC Baseball Championship. Brad was in his second season with the Clemson Tigers baseball team and I was working for Raycom Sports. Ten years was a long time ago, but if we remember correctly, the story goes something like this: I caught Brad's attention as I tossed t-shirts into the stands. He looked for me a few days later, but I wasn't on site. I was in Winston-Salem for a friend's wedding. Thankfully, Brad is not one to shy away from a challenge and he tracked down my name and number thanks to a colleague. The entire time, I was completely oblivious. (I'm sorry, babe, but it's true!) After some emails and phone calls, we went on our first date in Clemson, SC. Dating and falling in love in your early 20's is a funny thing and while Brad and I parted ways after a few months, we stayed in touch to varying degrees over the next ten years. During that time, God grew us and shaped us into the individuals we are today. In the fall of 2018, we reconnected and we went on our "last first date," dinner with friends followed by the Needtobreathe concert. Timing is everything!

Simply put, our proposal was one for the books! To say I was surprised was an understatement. After a fun day in the sun, we got spiffy and took the boat out on Lake Hartwell with drinks and appetizers in tow. It was Brad's birthday weekend, so the plan was to take the boat to dinner at Sole on the Green. We put the anchor down in the cove by the 17th hole of the Walker Course and I pointed out a party taking place up at the outdoor pavilion of the Madren Center. Little did I know the surprise to come. Brad looked at me and said, "You know, I've been praying for you for a really long time. Long before I met you. You know that, right?" After a few sweet comments that neither of us remember, Brad got on one knee and asked me to marry him. And of course I said, yes...a million times yes! He then turned to me and said, "That party up there, it's for us!" Brad has been secretly planning this party for months and he gathered our closest family and friends together. It undid me, truly. I didn't know it was possible to feel that loved in one evening, it was amazing! Thank you to all those who celebrated us near and far. We love you so!