We're so excited to celebrate with you!

Our dear friends Justin and Rachel introduced us at a small get together of friends in early September 2018. I was quite nervous but thankfully had been gaining courage with my friends prior to Madison's arrival. In fact, I had been preparing for slightly too long, as I confused Betsy (a tall brunette) with Madison. Thankfully, my overwhelming charm and naturally good looks quickly made up for my misstep, and we had a blast together playing games with our friends. A brunch date soon followed, and after a very awkward over-the-car-consol hug following the date (I cannot stress enough how much my charm overcame), we had a real dinner date. Mama's on the Hill was the obvious choice. Soon thereafter, we began seeing each other regularly, then every day, then as much as possible. I was pretty lovestruck from the start, but soon enough, my persuasive skills and devilish charm (notice a theme here) won her over for good.

After asking Jason for his daughter's hand in marriage, I crafted a fool-proof plan that was sure to get the answer I was seeking, "yes." She was suspicious enough that she already had her nails done, rendering my mom and sister's offer to join them for a manicure moot. The day before we left for Charleston, SC. My plan involved an outdoor proposal at a well-known Charleston site, but God couldn't let me have it too easily. Two days prior to departure, the forecast for each day of the week was a 100% chance of rain. I, and the photographer I hired, made contingency plans, but they would not be quite as magical. Upon arrival, we enjoyed the beautiful low-country city for a day, taking in the beautiful downtown and the stunning sights and smells of the famous Magnolia Gardens. And yes, as I am sure you are wondering, we brought and used our umbrellas most of the day. Come suppertime (as it is called in the South), there was an 80% chance of rain for the rest of the night. "Fantastic," I thought, as I feigned the laid-back, chill guy I normally am. With an expensive piece of jewelry secured in my pocket, we arrived at dinner excited for some high-quality southern food.

I do not exaggerate when I say this was the fastest classy restaurant I had ever visited. Our food was out within 30 minutes, and we were nearly finished in 45. Normally, this would be welcomed, as great service is the hallmark of a great establishment. However, the photographer was not to be in place for another 45 minutes. Seeing as it was too humid to stroll around for the extra time, I knew there was only one option - bribery. When Madison went to the restroom, I ordered a slice of cake and gave the waitress a small consideration to be worse at her job, as I had an important question to ask later but needed more time. She took the hint, and the single slice cake took nearly half an hour to arrive (to Madison's bewilderment). Despite my stomach being in a knot the size of a softball, I ate the enormous slice of cake out of necessity, knowing that I had to stall further. When the time finally arrived, we took a short walk to the ocean to enjoy the beautiful sunset. The photographer had seen us coming and kindly cleared the gazebo for our special moment. I don't remember what I said exactly (part of my energy was being used on ensuring the chocolate cake stayed down) but I do remember the look in her eyes and the emphatic "yes!" Not ten minutes afterwords, a torrential downpour began (you can see the beginnings of the rain in some of the pictures). We called our friends and family and celebrated our new life together.