We went on our first date July 16, 2020. At the time, Erin was living in Hiawassee and Jared was living in Cornelia. Erin drove over his direction that evening and they met at a pizza place. We had great conversation that lasted until the pizza place closed and then went outside to talk some more. That's where Jared showed off his impressive skating skills by skating around the parking lot to try and impress Erin. It may have worked ;) We continue going on dates for several months and finally in February, Jared told Erin he loved her (it was a long time coming, but Erin knew he really meant it). Some of our favorite things to do together are exploring new places, cooking, being outside, and tickle wars. We also survived having COVID together and dating in a world with COVID, which brought its own challenges. We know our story is just beginning, and we are excited to see where this crazy, fun life brings us!

The day of the engagement, we decided to go to one of our favorite spots, Turtle Rock. Turtle Rock is an overlook in Young Harris with a gorgeous view! Jared made a joke saying "this would be a really good spot to propose" and Erin decided to have him practice- just for fun. Erin had no clue he was planning on proposing that same night in the same exact spot. In fact, Jared had convinced Erin that we weren't getting engaged until after Erin returned from Kenya. After our 'dress rehearsal,' Erin went to tour Young Harris College with her cousin Becca and Aunt Michele. After the tour, we all made plans to go out to dinner that night while they were in town. Erin and Jared killed some time that day by visiting shops around the square. Finally, it was time for dinner. Erin put on a dress (the same dress Erins friend had just gotten engaged in a few weeks prior). Jared realized it was the same dress and made Erin go change. He told Erin that he didn't like how it looked and that she should wear the one she wore at graduation (a white dress). Annoyed, Erin went to change because at this point they were going to be late. On the way to the restaurant, Erin's aunt calls and says they were lost and going to be late. Erin and Jared decided to go watch the sunset at their favorite spot down the road, Turtle Rock, while they waited. That's where Jared proposed and Erin was so surprised- in fact, the first words out of her mouth were "Nuh Uh!!" Jared even had a photographer there to capture the moment. After the rush of it all, we both got back in the car and screamed! We were so excited!!! Jared told Erin that he was at the Ledford's house earlier (while Erin was on the campus tour) and they knew he was proposing and wanted us to come by after to see the ring. As we pulled in the driveway, all our family and friends were there holding sparklers and they had a party set up to celebrate us! It is still the most perfect engagement day to us.

We are SO excited to spend forever together. We both realize this day is not about us- it's about the work God has done in our lives. He brought us together and we can't wait to celebrate that gift with our friends and family!