Our love story began long before we realized it. We both attended Seymour High School, but our paths didn’t cross much at the time. Gavin was a football player; Jessi was part of the color guard—so we occasionally saw each other in passing, but never really connected. Fast forward three years. In 2019, Jessi was attending Carson-Newman University, working hard toward her degree in photography and building her business. One day, she had the privilege of photographing an old friend’s wedding- shoutout to Spencer and Julie!- and as fate would have it, Gavin was a groomsman! Though we saw each other throughout the day, our interaction remained casual. Nothing too significant. At least, not yet. It wasn’t until October 2020 that our story really started to unfold. Jessi was hired to photograph another mutual friend’s wedding, this time for Cassidy and Steven. Gavin was a guest, and this time, something clicked. Jessi couldn’t help but notice him. “Why does this cute boy keep popping up?” she thought to herself. Before the ceremony, we exchanged greetings, but it was during the reception that we were able to talk and connect more. Of course Jessi was working so she had to keep things professional but she was captivated by Gavin’s energy and his ability to light up the room. Not long after that, we began messaging. Our first date followed soon after, and the countdown to our first kiss began. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, we shared a first kiss that would mark the beginning of something truly special. By January 2nd, 2021, Gavin officially asked Jessi to be his girlfriend. Looking back, it’s clear that God’s timing was perfect. Our love story unfolded just when it was meant to. Over the years, we’ve built a life together—turning a house into a home, adopting two dogs, Maverick and Jasmine, and, in April 2024, Gavin proposed to Jessi. Spoiler alert: she said yes!