We met at a college party following homecoming week. Just as everyone was about to file out of the apartment and head downtown to the bars, Gabe introduced himself and asked if I'd like to walk with him to the trolley stop. Of course, I said yes. We spent the night at the bars dancing and having a few drinks. While on the Trolley on the way back to campus, Gabe asked me if I had ever been on the roof of Willingham (If you didn't go to Mercer, just know this is a rite of passage and some of the best views of the campus). I hadn't even heard of the place yet, so he took me to the roof where we sat and talked until sunrise about everything under the sun. We saw Mercer Police and janitor staff coming to the building so we knew it was time to leave. Gabe walked me to my dorm building, pressed the elevator button for me and asked if I wanted to get lunch later that same day. As the elevator doors opened, I stepped back into the elevator and told him, "of course". He snuck in our first kiss right before the doors closed. This is what I'd like to call my "Hallmark Moment".

We had thrown around the idea of marriage for a while and even looked at rings together (Haleigh gave him 3 of my top picks - he chose correctly). For Valentine's Day, Haleigh decided to make the trip from Macon to Eglin to see Gabe for the weekend. While on a romantic date on Valentine's day, where he promptly informed her, they were not going to be getting engaged this weekend as he "didn't want her to have high expectations all weekend and be disappointed". Haleigh was understanding and didn't think anything more of it. The following day, we had set plans to take some photos on the beach with a friend who "wanted to practice their photography skills". During the photos, Gabe got down on one knee and asked the big question. Haleigh cried and obviously the rest is history.

Soon after we were engaged, I came back to visit Gabe during our Spring Break. During this week, we went to the courthouse in Fort Walton and finalized all the paperwork to be married by law. We knew in the long run this was the smartest financial decision for both of us with Gabe gaining additional pay from the military as well as additional benefits for me. Getting legally married soon after our engagement without a proper ceremony allowed us to afford the privilege of buying a brand new home so young. We wouldn't have had it any other way. We're so thankful that this year, we can spend our (almost) 3rd anniversary with everyone we love and finally celebrate our marriage the way we always wanted!

For those that may not have been keeping up, we currently live in Crestview, FL, about 30 minutes from Destin, FL. Soon after we legally tied the knot, we were able to buy our very first home together. Gabe is currently Active Duty in the Air Force working as an Air Traffic Controller at Eglin Air Force Base. Haleigh is using her degree to pursue her interests in Law and is currently working full time at a Law Firm as a Legal Assistant. We have two adorable pups, Jack and Bones.