We met at the Lyceum Welcome event in 2022 my freshman year outside the Phyfer Auditorium in the business school, and started talking and quickly learned that we loved the same books and loved the Lord, and I loved talking to him. I quickly started to look forward to seeing DJ at all of the Lyceum events, and was ecstatic when we ended up on the same flight to Greece for the Lyceum study abroad trip. We talked all the time, and started texting on May 29, 2023 (and spoiler, we haven't missed any days since). Over the summer, we called to talked about sermons, work, what we were reading, and everything in between. The week after we got back, DJ asked me out and we went on a date to the botanical gardens. I remember feeling like a princess, from the moment he picked me up to walking through the butterfly garden with flowers and butterflies everywhere, the beautiful sunlight, and the sweet look in his eyes. We shared our testimonies and walked for over two hours, and it felt perfect and complete. A couple weeks later, we were walking after a meeting and DJ told me how he felt about me- if that was too much for me, we could just stay friends, or we could completely stop spending time together, but if I felt the same way, he would be honored for me to be his girlfriend. At the time, life was insane for me so we decided to put things on hold until I could think and pray clearly. DJ was the most patient and grace-filled man during this time and despite the insanity I put him through he cared for me so well. Five months later, I knew it was the right time, and walking back from RUF on January 31st, I asked if we could talk because I felt he deserved to know why it took me so long to give him an answer. He responded by thanking me for trusting him, and then said "I don't know if this is the right time or place, but I love you." My heart overflowed with joy and I told him I loved him, and he kissed me. At that moment, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt he was going to be my husband. Fast forward a little over a year later, and I'm home for spring break. The week was busy with family in town and rehearsal week for my sister's spring performance, and I was completely distracted. Saturday, March 22, we "decided" to show my grandparents where my sister worked. Sara Beth did my makeup and helped pick my outfit, and then we left. Still completely clueless, we got to Palmetto Bluff and I started talking about the historical ruins. Wondering if my dad had parked yet, I turned around to see DJ walking over to me. As soon as I saw him, I knew exactly what was about to happen because I had no clue he was even in Bluffton. I handed my purse to GG and beelined to him and just started crying tears of joy. He guided me to walk down the dock behind the chapel, and once we got down to the spot he chose, he handed me a book. It was a collection of Jane Austen's novels, and he had highlighted a phrase on the page open - "will you". As I followed the page numbers, it read "Will you marry me?" On the last page I opened to, I saw the ring underneath Mr. Darcy's "You must allow me to tell you how ardently I love and admire you." He took the book from me, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. I was in complete shock, with happy tears still streaming down my face, and though I don't remember much of what he said, I remember exactly the look in his eyes and his sweet expression as he asked me to be his wife because I knew I never wanted to forget him and the way I saw him in that moment. I couldn't stop saying yes, and couldn't wait to hug and kiss him - my heart overflowed with love and joy and excitement for this whole journey of preparing for marriage and our lifetime ahead. DJ, that excitement has grown daily and it is the greatest honor of my life to be yours. I love you endlessly and I can't wait for our wedding day and to be your bride for all of our days.