We’re getting married!

While at Southern Virginia University, Parker sat behind Braylie in their institute class. They never talked, never interacted (unless you count the occasional awkward eye contact). It wasn’t until the end of the semester when Parker sent Braylie a Snapchat that said “hey i just wanted to let you know i think you’re really beautiful”, Braylie opened the message and never responded. Parkers roommate and Braylies friend formally introduced them and they hung out a few times in a group setting. While at SVU they remained best friends and nothing more ever happened.

When the pandemic started and foreign missionaries were being sent home and reassigned, Parker was sent home to Nashville from his mission in Chihuahua Mexico. Braylie, who realized she had feelings for him about 6 months before, saw an opportunity but was too afraid to take it. Parker decided to be reassigned and finish his mission. With the window of opportunity closing, Braylie’s sister, Kailey, bought Braylie plane ticket on a Friday and Bray was on the plane by Sunday to surprise Parker before he reported to his reassignment. After 2 days in Nashville, a first kiss, an accidental friend zoning and an ice cream date, Braylie finally had the courage to do what she was out there to do. Braylie told Parker that she was in love with him, and luckily, he said it back.

After that unforgettable week, Parker reported for his reassignment in the Layton Utah mission. Once Parker got home from Utah it was only a month before they got to see each other again, the first time in 4 months. After that wonderful weekend Parker went back to Tennessee for work and Braylie stayed in Virginia for school. They facetimed *almost* every night and made sure they had their evening prayer every single night (never missed one). On 12-27-20, after 202 days, the distance was finally closed.

The proposal was not as romantic as either of them would’ve liked because Braylie likes to snoop. She knew he had the ring and she knew a few of the potential dates for when he’d pop the question. But when the moment came, and Parker was on one knee, neither could be happier to take this step. Parker took Braylie to a park to Buena Vista that he frequently visited freshman year, under the pretense “a bonfire with some of the football guys”. The sun was getting low and it was considerably warm outside for early January. He walked her along a path covered in moss and adjacent to a little creek. She turned around for just a second and when she looked back he was on one knee. Now, neither remember what he said but in the moment it was the best. What’s important is he said “will you marry me?” and of course, she said yes.