#hinnanttowinit

Music has always been apart of my life. Growing up my Dad would play Here Comes the Sun on the acoustic guitar while my sister, mom, and I would twirl around in my parents' bedroom. Every Friday, all our neighbors would get together in Hampton, VA as the "C-street band" and play. Music and guitar have always been a comfortable place for me, but I never expected it to help lead me to the love of my life. After college, having moved multiple times across multiple states for my career, the last place I would have imagined to meet "my person" would have been back in my hometown. Hunter Hinnant was a complete surprise. I met him in the Summer of 2018. At the time, I was living in Charlotte, NC working as a working capital advisor. Most weeks were spent running through airports, in heels, to meet with clients across multiple states. At the time, he was living in Hampton, VA working 3 jobs until he could start his big life in D.C.. The last thing I had expected was a long distance relationship. On one of our first dates, we hiked the Nolan Trail and on the way back I played American Girl. Hunter looked at me, as if he was reading my soul, and said, "I love this song". Two people who would rather be in person or call, than text, were doing whatever it took to spend time with one another. Over 50+ Spotify playlists later and, hopefully, a lifetime of fabulous lyrics, poems, and stories to go, we find ourselves in love and ready to marry our best friend. Hunter, I am so glad I met you. You support my dreams and live them, wildly, with me. If we can manage long distance and a pandemic, I am confident we will thrive together. I can’t wait to see where this life takes us. Through the ups and downs, I promise to love you. All ways.

I first met Katherine in July of 2018. I finally convinced her to agree to our first date in November. Somehow, I found myself telling her my complete life story within ten minutes of sitting down together. On our first date, I knew she was the one. Early on, we were trading off flights back and forth between VA and NC. It was tough trying to consolidate a week of catch up and love into one weekend. We made it work no matter how many flights it took. Growing up, being an avid Indiana Jones movie lover, I dreamed of traveling the world. Katherine, who has been to more countries then I have fingers and toes, showed me pieces of the world in such a spontaneous and adventurous way. Iceland was truly a place onto itself. We traversed volcanos, went whitewater rafting in glacier waters, and spent nights trying to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. On the same trip, we went to Ireland where I experienced a bit of my heritage with friends, songs, and refreshing pints of Guinness. She has introduced to me different cultures. On a weekend trip to Paris(where I have always wanted to go), she introduced me to France’s rich history, incredible artists, cuisine, and language. Seeing “Le Louvre”, the Eiffel tower alight at night, the magnificent palace of Versailles was such a marvelous and enriching experience. France was our first trip abroad with just each other. There, I knew I could travel the world with her. Whether to Paris or to West Virginia, she is the best travel partner in the world. Since then, my life has completely changed. Exploring the world encouraged me to follow my dreams. Katherine, I cannot wait for the exciting life that I know we’ll live together. I know we will create memories with family and friends that we hold so close. I look forward to all our adventures we will go on together. Katherine, I love you with all my heart. I cannot wait to marry you.