In 2012, when we were thirteen years old, we met in our eighth-grade history class. Jackson was the tall kid sitting in the back row, wearing Gamecock shirts every day and I was the girl wearing glitter Toms and a low messy bun (which he still picks on me for). We both rode the bus and one afternoon I was in the middle of telling him a story when his bus number was called, so we exchanged numbers so I could finish telling him my story. Since that afternoon, we have texted every single day and a best friendship began.

In December 2021, Jackson and I brought our puppy, Maverick, home to join our family. On January 14th, 2022, Jackson had the day off from work and brought up the idea of taking Maverick to the beach for the day. Being down for any adventure with my boys, I agreed and off we went. After a while of Maverick playing in the sand right next to us, Jackson wanted to see if we could give him some freedom. Jackson told me to go by the water and he was going to see if Maverick would run to me or get distracted. Luckily, he ran right to me! Being so in awe of my sweet puppy, I was oblivious to anything else. Jackson came up to us and asked me what was on his harness. I look and am shocked to see a ring! As I took the ring off Mav's harness, Jackson proposed, and of course I said "YES!" Our simple and intimate engagement is a memory I will cherish forever! I never would have guessed a quick day trip to the beach would have led us to this moment. We are so excited to celebrate this next chapter of our lives with you! See you in the Fall of 2023!