We're getting married!

Daniel began attending Christ Church, where I also attend, in late 2016. I definitely noticed that there was a new cute guy sitting a few rows over, but never got up the nerve to say 'Hi'. A few months later, Daniel starting coming to the my young adult Sunday school class, and from there we became friends. Daniel said "I knew you were special" when I invited him and his daughter Anniah to an Easter Egg hunt at my coworker's house, because I knew he didn't have family in town to celebrate with (and because I thought he was real cute). So from there our friendship grew...and finally in September of 2017 I knew I wanted to be more than friends! There were so many times in September and October that I thought "finally, I can tell he's interested", only to second-guess myself when he STILL didn't ask me out. I remember telling my friends "he's just a such a nice guy - he doesn't like me, he's just NICE to EVERYONE". And he is. And one of the reasons I love him. But it was driving me crazy! Finally, on November 2 of 2017, he asked if I wanted to go for a ride in the Mustang Convertible he'd gotten as a rental car while his Jeep was being used on a movie set (long story). I was sick that day, but I didn't want to miss my chance, so I asked if we could stop by Starbucks for a Medicine Ball Tea. We took our tea (I couldn't believe he liked it!) and drove across the Mississippi into Arkansas, where we drove around back roads, climbed some railroad towers, and then drove back to the TN side of the river to watch the sun set. It was perfect! But I still wasn't completely sure it was a date. Our first REAL date was November 10, 2017. We went to Elwood's Shack for their famous fish tacos, and then he took me to Overton Square where the Tennessee Shakespeare Company was performing Romeo and Juliet outdoors in the courtyard. R&J on the first date? I was hooked.

My dad and mom met Katie at a weekend trip in Hardy, AR, and a week later sent my grandmother's ring in the mail. I guess you could say Katie left a good impression! It took me about 2 months to put together the right ring for Katie, but I finally found something I thought she would like. Then it was time to plan the proposal. My biggest passion in life has always been music, so naturally I wanted to show Katie she means the absolute world to me by writing a song for her. The song I wrote included several lines from romantic puns with pictures I sent her early on when we started dating. Anniah graciously (and unknowingly) lent me her markers for the project. After weeks of writing the song and creating these boards I wondered if I was going to get it done in time because someone kept taking up my time with dinners, dates, and snuggles! I know of 3 artists/bands that Katie loves- Garth Brooks, Liz Vice, and Weezer. I decided to ask the first one coming through Memphis to help me, which turned out to be Liz Vice! She was playing at The Levitt Shell as part of the summer concert series, so I asked if I could perform my song that night. Liz and the kind staff with The Shell were on board. Our friends David and Brittany agreed to flip through my cheesy love signs, and Jillian was to make sure Katie found me at the stage. I was thrilled Katie's entire family was supportive of this step in our relationship, and they all managed to come out the night of the proposal without giving away any clues! Katie even unwittingly made it seem natural that everyone was there by sharing the Facebook event earlier in the week, and telling everyone they needed to come hear Liz play.

Now, let me set the stage. God blessed us with a beautiful evening as dusk was approaching, and it was even a little cooler that night than it had been all week. Katie and I arrived first and got a nice spot where we could picnic and relax. I, however, was anything but relaxed. Little by little friends and family started to arrive. Brittany was hiding behind the stage with all the signs. I had been told to arrive back stage at exactly 7:10, so I could go on at 7:15, and I would have exactly 8 minutes to "get it done." At approximately 7:10 on June 23, 2018 I had to tell Katie a lie for the first time ever: I said "I'm going to go get a drink". After I left, she proceeded to tell her friends how she was tired of waiting for me to propose. Meanwhile, I am backstage with a tummy full of butterflies as I'm trying to hike up my guitar as close to my face as possible since I only have one mic. At 7:15 I get out on the stage with Brittany and David, and Jillian says to Katie, "Come here!", dragging her toward the stage. I say about 1/4 of what I had planned - all I get out is "This is a song I wrote for the most wonderful woman in the world. I hope you all enjoy it, especially you Katie." Once Katie realizes what is happening, her jaw drops and she laughs as she walks up to me singing to her with the biggest and dumbest smile on my face. When the song was over I got off the stage, fell to my knee, and asked Katie to marry me (with hands shaking). She said "YES!", and we immediately started celebrating and enjoyed Liz Vice's performance the rest of the evening, surrounded by friend and family and champagne. I've seen Katie smile many times, but I have never seen her shine so bright as she did that night. I remember thinking how grateful I am to share love with such and incredible and dear woman. Praise God for that.