We're Getting Married!

Samantha was chatting with Mark, trying to convince him to join her at a friend’s house. That night, Mark met Hailey, and they quickly discovered each other’s quirks, sharing laughter and stories. Afterward, Mark walked Samantha and Hailey home, ensuring they got back safely. Little did they know, this night was just the beginning of their beautiful love story.

Mark and Hailey took a memorable trip to Asheville with Samantha and Cat. On their way home, they stumbled upon a small-town fair and decided to stop for some fun. It was on the Ferris wheel that they shared their first kiss, a moment that marked the beginning of their love story. Since then, every Ferris wheel they encounter has become a cherished tradition, allowing them to relive that magical night and create new memories together, hand in hand.

Mark and Hailey’s first official date was the result of three weeks of Mark’s playful persistence. Each morning, he brought Hailey a medicine ball tea from Starbucks, hoping to win her over. Finally, she said yes! They enjoyed a delicious dinner at La Unica, savoring Mexican cuisine, before heading to a drive-in movie in Kings Mountain to watch Escape Room. That evening, filled with laughter and connection, marked the perfect beginning of their many beautiful dates to come.

After a few weeks of dating, Mark left for Mississippi for U.S. Army Annual Training. While he was away, he secretly planned a getaway to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for his return weekend. Once there, Mark and Hailey made countless memories, deepening their bond with each adventure. Before heading home, he took her on the town's Ferris wheel, where they shared another unforgettable kiss. This magical moment added to their blossoming love story and marked another step in their journey together.

After dating for nearly two months, Hailey decided it was time for Mark to meet her parents, Kim and Dave Haas. Nervous yet excited, Mark looked forward to this important moment. That day, Kim and Dave took him to a Chapel Hill game, where they bonded over shared experiences and laughter. As they cheered for their team, Mark felt welcomed into the family. Since then, their relationship has flourished, with each day bringing them closer together.

After Hailey had persistently begged Mark for a kitten, he finally surprised her by adopting a six-week-old furball without her knowing. When she discovered the adorable kitten, she was filled with joy and decided to name him Charles, since he was adopted in October. Charles quickly became a cherished member of Mark and Hailey’s relationship, bringing laughter and warmth into their lives. Together, they embraced their new adventure as a family of three, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Three days before Halloween, Mark eagerly convinced Hailey to experience her first haunted maze. After several gentle nudges, she finally agreed to join him and Molly at Lake Hickory Haunts. As they navigated the spooky twists and turns, Mark held Hailey’s hand tightly, trying to reassure her. However, when a chainsaw roared nearby, Hailey quickly learned that Mark wasn’t a fan; he ran off in fright, leaving her laughing at the unexpected twist in their adventure.

Mark and Hailey celebrated their first Thanksgiving together, sharing the holiday with each other’s families. As they gathered around the table, the atmosphere was filled with love and laughter. They enjoyed delicious dishes, heartfelt conversations, and the warmth of family traditions, creating beautiful memories. The day was a perfect blend of joy and gratitude, deepening their bond as they embraced the spirit of the season. It marked a wonderful beginning to their holiday celebrations as a couple.

On Christmas Eve, Mark and Hailey celebrated their first holiday together. With Mark's parents, Bobbie and Mike, raising four boys, they knew the holidays could be hectic. To accommodate their sons and their girlfriends, they often celebrated a day early. This year, Mark and Hailey shared both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with their families, creating lasting memories. Since then, this beautiful tradition has continued, deepening their bond and ensuring that love and togetherness are at the heart of their celebrations.

Mark and Hailey’s final date before his deployment was a bittersweet occasion. Halfway through their relationship, Mark learned he would be heading to the Middle East with the U.S. Army. As the departure date approached, he wanted their last day together to be special. Mark planned a memorable outing in Charlotte, NC, filled with laughter and adventure. They explored the city, shared heartfelt moments, and created lasting memories, ensuring their love would remain strong during the ten months apart.

The day finally arrived for Mark and Hailey to say their goodbyes before his deployment. With heavy hearts, they embraced, knowing they wouldn’t see each other for the next ten months. Although the separation would be challenging, they were certain that their love was unbreakable. This moment marked a significant test of their relationship, and they felt ready to face it together, believing that their bond would grow even stronger despite the distance and time apart.

After ten long months of deployment, Mark was finally reunited with Hailey. The distance had tested their love, but they always knew it was unbreakable. As they embraced for the first time in so long, all the challenges faded away. Being together again filled their hearts with joy, reaffirming their deep connection. They had proven that no matter the miles between them, their love remained strong and ready to flourish as they embarked on this new chapter together.

After overcoming long distances, different time zones, and countless FaceTimes, Mark decided to take a big step in his relationship with Hailey. He asked her father, Dave, for her hand in marriage. After a heartfelt conversation, Dave welcomed Mark into the family and gave his blessing. Mark secretly planned the perfect engagement, hiring a makeup artist and hairstylist, scouting a beautiful location, and arranging for a photographer to capture the special moment. Everything was falling into place for the special moment!

Welcome to the family, Sarge! After months of Mark begging Hailey for a dog, she finally agreed to visit the rescue pound. It was there they met Sarge, and it was love at first sight. He quickly became a cherished member of the Gil family, stepping into the role of an older brother to Charles. With his playful spirit and affectionate nature, Sarge brought even more joy to their lives, creating countless new memories and adventures together as a happy family.