What started as a simple hello at Sarah’s neighbor’s house quickly turned into something neither of us expected. After their first meeting, Sarah gave Larry a ride home. That short drive turned into great conversation, a slide into her DMs later that night, and eventually a hibachi first date where we both thought, that was fun… but we’re probably just friends. Turns out we were wrong! Between constant texts, Smoky Mountain adventures, volunteering with Isaiah 117 House, and trips to Gatlinburg, Dollywood, and Anakeesta, we quickly became inseparable. Life didn’t waste time putting our partnership to the test. In a short time, we cared for each other through illness and injury, handled dog emergencies (thanks, Cane and Oreo x2 and Pepper), said goodbye to sweet Gizmo & Pepper, celebrated holidays together, and even started tackling a home remodel. Sarah knew Larry might be the one when he passed the most important test… earning the approval of the entire Nielsen Pack. Ten dogs later, he officially had the job. Seven months later, on Christmas Eve under a beautiful display of holiday lights, Larry asked Sarah to marry him. Now we’re excited to begin the next chapter of our story, surrounded by the Smoky Mountains we love and the people who mean the most to us. Eight dogs, two hearts, and a whole lot of mountain sunsets.