Marklee and Teal both grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee and attended the same schools from Preschool to High School. Teal is almost exactly one year younger than Marklee so he was always in a grade behind her. Looking back, Marklee and Teal were often together from a very young age due to their older brothers being travel baseball teammates; however, they never really interacted even as friends (although again they were often on the same gym court as Marklee was on dance team and Teal played basketball). Following high school, Marklee attended UT Knoxville and Teal went to Murray State on a baseball scholarship. Fast forward to 2018 following the Christmas wedding of a mutual friend, Teal caught Marklee's eye. Lucky for her, Teal was planning a transfer to UT Knoxville for the spring semester and they had a few weeks at home for the holiday break. Marklee's Matron of Honor, Sydni, (who was dating and eventually married one of Teal's best friends, Luke) went into match making mode. A game night with all the friends was the perfect opportunity to test the chemistry. Unbeknownst to Marklee, Sydni had leaked the secret and Teal knew exactly what he was walking in to. Marklee really thought her flirting skills were on point to only find this out months later. Once the spring semester started, Teal and Marklee began to hang out more often and had their first "official" date at Soccer Taco. Marklee invited Teal to the ADPi Valentine's Date Party and the rest is history. Five years later, on October 29, 2023 Teal surprised Marklee with his grandmother's diamond on the back porch of his childhood home with both families hidden away next door waiting to congratulate them. It was perfectly Marklee and Teal. Low key, but super sentimental and special. They are so excited to celebrate with all of their family and friends and to begin their life together as husband and wife.