Tate and Maddie met in October of 2018. Pi Kappa Alpha was hosting a mixer with Alpha Gamma Delta, so naturally, they were both there. A mutual friend of theirs noticed Tate walking around with his guitar and asked the (soon to be) couple to sing together. Tate awkwardly declined leaving Maddie assumming he was "too cool". Later on, they met again at the UCO talent show, and again in a group of mutual friends. Overtime, they began thoroughly enjoying each other's company. They spent ample time texting, facetiming, taking "mini roadtrips" to Norman, and hanging out in groups until finally, Tate asked Maddie on an official date. On this date, Tate met the Higdon’s entire neighborhood upon arrival as they were trying to fish a drone out of a tree, which made for a memorable introduction. Their nerves were apparent but quickly washed away by singing in the car and eating good food. They learned that even though dinner and a movie is considered a simple date, with the right person, it could be the start of forever! From then on, they were inseparable. Maddie traveled with Tate to Perry and North Carolina to meet all of his friends and family. Tate made it into the Higdon/Gann family Easter egg hunt (without the ring which is a big deal) and everything felt complete. Throughout the years, they have been working on themselves as individuals and learning how to work as a pair so that they could join one another in marriage fully prepared for the battles and blessings it will bring. On October 30th, 2021, Tate surprised Maddie with a picnic in the gardens along with an original song he wrote. An excerpt from the song reads- “Wherever we go, we will always be at home. Our castle on the hill, dear our childhood dreams fulfilled. Be mine forever, Maddie Paige”. He got down on one knee and asked the question everyone was waiting for - “Will you marry me?”. On July 1st, 2022, Maddie and Tate’s childhood dreams will be fulfilled and they can't wait to share it with you.