Tennison (Tré) first noticed Madeline (Maddie) at church camp. That's right- true ~ camp crush ~ style. He couldn't help but notice how much Maddie talked about her upcoming move to Belgium (it was nonstop ;) )... Especially when she mentioned how badly she wished to have a partner on this new adventure. Tennison, of course, took notes.

Madeline was off on her adventure to live abroad, planning to stay there for at least 5 years. Tennison was off to University of North Carolina School of the Arts to study theatre. And that was it... or was it?

Though Madeline struggled to learn Dutch and still hadn't found a permanent residence 2 years in, she was convinced to make a home in Belgium. Funnily enough, Tennison's dad was helping to pastor Madeline through these struggles on the mission field from afar. And Tennison? Busy pursuing dreams of his own. After months of splitting his time between classes in North Carolina and TV and film sets in Atlanta, Georgia, he made the decision to move to pursue acting full time in Atlanta. And so for the next two-years-and-some-change, the two led separate lives. Well... not completely separate... thanks Instagram!

Due to some incredibly difficult circumstances with paperwork and health, Madeline was forced to return back to the US in November of 2019. Reluctantly, she boarded a flight to Atlanta, desperately hoping to have a short few months in the US and be back on her way to Belgium in no time. Upon her return, Madeline's (WONDERFUL) sister and brother-in-law hosted her and cared for her through reverse culture shock and a season of complete bewilderment for what would come next. All she knew was she was beginning to really love Atlanta.

Busy growing his acting career, Tennison happened to notice a few particularly moody Instagram posts from Madeline with the location tag "Atlanta", He made a bold move, as he often does. Ah yes, the Direct Message. He slid right in, and asked to show her around Atlanta. She was overjoyed- a familiar face after years of meeting new people. Their first date? Fashion exhibits at the High Art Museum. Between the introspective discussions about art, culture, street style and the way art shapes a society, the two were already swooning.

A happy 2 months into dating, a crisis. Covid-19... maybe you've heard of it? Due to even more job changes and being between housing situations, Madeline was forced to return to Greenville, SC for a bit. With the film industry being on hold, Tennison decided to join her and the two set off to spend "a few weeks" in Greenville. Ah yes, just like high school once again!. Sneaking out for late night snacks, dinner and game nights with each other's parents. It was truly a gift neither knew they needed.

Two more months went by and not single day passed without the two spending time together. Day hikes, cooking challenges, and of COURSE Tiger King... From the very first date, both parties were done for, but after two months of quarantine life, it was clear we were both on the same page. Thanks to council from our family and our wonderful communities, nothing has ever felt so right. If quarantine taught us anything, it's that life is short and we want to spend every part of it possible together Here's to years of late night kitchen dance parties and drives between Atlanta and Greenville and days full of creating and lots and lots of loving each other. Bring your dancing shoes because we plan to PARTY.