It was January 2015. Some guy from high school I remembered bumping into from time to time had reached out over Facebook to see if I wanted to get dinner that week. I remembered thinking Tanner was just so handsome and of course I said yes. He had just moved home from living in Savannah for school, and I was in the middle of college. I was so nervous for our first date at Cryan's that I barely remember it! But after a couple months of going on dates, I knew I really wanted to be with this guy.

We did and still do everything together! After Tanner asked me to be his girlfriend, it was as if we got on a train that just never stops. For four years, we lived in our home town, constantly venturing out on adventures to NYC, Philly, and down the shore. Our biggest adventure came in October 2017. We had decided earlier that summer to work every day, save, and quit our jobs for the adventure of a lifetime- a three month trip around America! It was on that trip that we picked up our trusty old RV, a 1985 Toyota Dolphin, in California, and drove it all the way home. We also realized that we were ready for an even bigger adventure, one that would lead us far from home and our loved ones, but would shape us into more of who we are today.

We packed our things and headed West! After venturing through the country, we knew Arizona was it. I had always felt drawn to Arizona- I'd been twice as a teenager to visit my grandparents, and going through on our road trip in 2017 only solidified that feeling. It took a year of living home and saving up, but in January 2019 we left and landed in Tucson! Being completely on our own out here and in our 1st apartment together was just such a blast. Tucson has this way about it- it just grows on you. The more we discovered about our new city and its surroundings, the more we fell in love. It just feels like an old friend out here. Forever dynamic, always grounded, and it will always be here. During the pandemic, we soaked up as much camping as possible- venturing over to Gila Forest in New Mexico, Mount Graham in Safford, The Mogollon Rim in Payson, San Felipe in Baja Mexico, Santa Barbara in California, and lots more. Living in Arizona has been the biggest blessing, but after being here for three and a half years, we knew we wanted to venture home. A few months back we began playing with the idea of heading home, and on May 15th, the one of the biggest lights in my life, my Grampa, passed away, only solidifying for us our decision to turn East, and soak up some beautiful years with Gramma, our parents, brothers, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends.

Tanner and I always knew we wanted to be together. He is my best friend, my confidante, my person. On September 7th, 2021, in front of our dearest friends Chris and Sierra, Tanner asked me to be his wife, and just like on our first date, I basically blacked out from nerves and excitement! So I obviously said yes :) We were on a cross country road trip, and we knew we'd have to stay for a night at one of the most special spots in all this land- Devil's Tower in Wyoming. After sweating it out for the day at Badlands in South Dakota, we made our way over to Rapid City for more camping supplies and food. I was absolutely floored when I saw Tanner picking out bottles of champagne- I was confused at first because champagne is not his go-to but thought to myself, wow- my boyfriend is so sweet for buying bubbly to celebrate being with our BEST FRIENDS! So I didn't question it. The next day as we're gearing up for our hike around Devil's tower, I casually mentioned to Tanner- hey! Bring that champagne and we'll toast Chris and Sierra out on the hike! He happily obliged. There's a spot on the hike where there is a big clearing with an unobstructed view of the monolith, and being that Chris had already had our camera in his hand, I said, hey! Let's take some pictures, Tan! And he knew then that was the moment. He pulled out his Grandma's ring, and asked me to be his lady forever. It was the easiest yes of my life! Right after, Tanner joked about how easy I made the proposal- I didn't question the champagne too much, I suggested we bring it on the hike, and I asked for pictures in the most scenic spot with no other visitors around. Looking back I have no idea how I missed all the signs! But in true Tanner fashion, he kept it all cool and I was truly surprised and not expecting a proposal on this trip! So we then celebrated that night in the way we know best- grilling and camping with our best friends. I think that was the best steak and frites I've ever had :)

We are so excited to celebrate our love with our dear family and friends. The future is bright and we are so happy to move forward surrounded by so much love!