In the cozy common room of Liberty University's honors hall, a shared love for "The Hobbit: Extended Edition" movie laid the foundation for our story. It was there, surrounded by fellow students, that Caleb and I first met. Our initial conversation, sparked by the fantastical world of Middle Earth, soon revealed a deeper connection. Caleb, spotting an opportunity, offered his guidance for Biology 225, a subject that had once challenged him. His offer to share study tips was cleverly disguised as a way to get my phone number. We began our study sessions, focusing on biology, with Caleb helping me navigate through the complex material using his old lab notebook, despite his 'doctor's handwriting'. As we spent more time together, our relationship blossomed beyond academics. During one of our study sessions, hunger led us to Garbanzo for a meal, where conversation flowed effortlessly. My passion for swing dancing intrigued Caleb, and he didn't hesitate to join me. True to his word, after a basketball game, he dressed in a suit to match my navy dress and, in a playful act of defiance, parked in a no-parking zone to ensure he wouldn't be late. Dancing together, we found a harmony that extended beyond the dance floor. Our evening concluded with a visit to Cookout, a simple yet memorable moment, marking the beginning of our inseparable journey. From that day forward, we were a constant presence in each other's lives, our bond deepening with every shared experience. Our story is one of unexpected beginnings and shared interests, from our academic pursuits in the honors program to our love for epic tales and dance. As Caleb and I prepare to graduate together in 2025, we reflect on how a movie, a biology class, and a dance forged a path for a lifetime of shared adventures. We're excited to share this journey with you, a tale of two hearts united by the Lord’s plan, learning, and love. Join us in celebrating not just the beauty of our story, but the enduring power of waiting for God’s best, shared passions, and serendipitous meetings.

I wanted everything to be perfect for the proposal, so I sought advice from family and friends, meticulously crafting the plan. The key was to make it a surprise, and I knew she loved dressing up for special occasions. That’s when the idea of proposing at the Biltmore Estate emerged – a place of elegance and grandeur. To set the stage, I had my mom call us during lunch at CAVA, pretending to suggest a visit to the Biltmore. I feigned disappointment, recalling childhood memories of finding it dull. This was all part of the plan to throw her off the scent. She seemed a bit disheartened, not being a fan of museums herself, but I had a surprise up my sleeve. At Costco, I reassured her, suggesting we could make the day enjoyable by dressing up. She brightened up at this and began looking forward to it, despite a minor hiccup with her dress not arriving on time. After spending Thanksgiving with her family, we headed back to my place, with the Biltmore visit looming ahead. As the day approached, my excitement and nerves grew. I had everything planned out, but the unpredictability of such a big moment kept me on edge. The day had finally arrived, the day I would ask her to be my forever. Despite my careful planning, one thing I hadn’t accounted for was falling ill with a stomach bug on the morning of the proposal. But determined not to let anything ruin this special moment, I soldiered on, fueled by the anticipation of what was to come. Arriving at the Biltmore Estate, I led her to a picturesque hill behind the grand house, a spot where the entirety of the estate sprawled majestically before us. It was here, with the stunning backdrop, that I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. To make the moment even more special, I had her family join us via FaceTime, ensuring they were part of this unforgettable experience. My own family was there too, adding to the joy and emotion of the moment. Her reaction was everything I hoped for – joy, surprise, and love. As she excitedly chatted with her family, showing off the ring, I felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over me. Despite my illness, the day was turning out to be as magical as I had imagined. We celebrated our engagement with barefoot dancing in the grass, a simple yet intimate moment that felt like something out of a fairy tale. Then we proceeded to capture our joy in a series of photographs around the estate – she always loved taking photos. The rest of the day was filled with memorable activities – a romantic carriage ride around the estate, shopping for ornaments as keepsakes, and dining at several exquisite restaurants in our fancy attire. Each moment was a celebration, a testament to our love and the life we were about to embark on together. As the day drew to a close with a visit to the Biltmore House, despite feeling physically weak, my spirit was uplifted by the sheer joy of the day. The woman I love said ‘yes’, and that made everything worth it. This was more than just a proposal; it was the beginning of our lifetime adventure together.