We’re getting married!!

We hate to say it, but we met on a dating app—it physically hurts to say out loud—but thank the good Lord for technology, because it brought us to each other! I know, awww. After a month of non-stop talking (seriously, hours and hours every night), we realized we had to meet in person. Our first date was at Outback—romantic, right?—but it wasn’t just the blooming onion that stole my heart. Thomas showed up looking like a true country charmer—shirt tucked in and all—and even brought me flowers. He picked me up from my house like a real gentleman, and from the moment we sat down, we couldn’t stop talking. By the end of the night, I was completely smitten. Truth is, we kind of knew even before that night. In the two weeks leading up to our first date, we had the deepest conversations—about family, values, struggles, love languages, expectations… all the stuff that usually comes months in. We definitely overshared for two people who hadn’t even met yet, but somehow, it felt completely right. It was clear from the start: we were made for each other. Now, we’ll be honest—we didn’t do a ton of traditional “dating” in those first six months. Between work schedules and me being a mom, we didn’t have a lot of one-on-one time like most couples might. Instead, we built our relationship in the realest way—at church, at each other’s homes, and in all the everyday moments in between. We did manage to squeeze in a family road trip, a few fun restaurant dates, and one competitive trip to Fun Land where Thomas kinda crushed me in putt-putt (he’s still proud, I’m still bitter). But even in the midst of life’s chaos, one thing stayed the same—we always missed each other the second we left. That “can’t-wait-to-see-you-again” feeling never really went away. Six months later, we were engaged—not because we rushed, but because we knew this was a forever kind of love. We balance each other so well: he’s calm when I’m overwhelmed, strong when I need a rock. I’m the encourager when life gets heavy, and he’s the safe place I never knew I needed. Watching him be a dad to my little Halo, with so much love and patience, has been one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. We’re both major sports lovers (even if we live in a house divided—me a UNC fan, and him a Dookie fan). We’re also absurdly competitive. He loves when I lose, and I hate that he loves it. We spend our days trying to outdo each other in everything… including who can make the weirdest noise to stop the other from yawning. But more than anything, we just get each other. We communicate so well, we’re honest and goofy, and we’ve built something grounded in faith, trust, and a whole lot of love. We can’t wait to officially become a family and celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime love with all of you!