We knew each other in undergrad because we both went to Lee University and have quite a few mutual friends. However, at the time, we didn't have feelings for one another. I specifically remember thinking that Teagan was a great guy, but there's no way he would date someone like me. Needless to say, I was wrong (Count #1 of me being wrong and happy about it). The Lord took us our separate ways for quite a few years. Teagan graduated and moved back to Franklin while I finished up my senior year. Then, Teagan moved back to Lee to be a resident director, and I moved to Honduras to be a missionary. Our paths finally came back together when I "on a whim" accepted an open Resident Director position at Lee. At the time, I thought Teagan was dating someone else (count #2 of me being wrong and happy about it) and so didn't have any thoughts about being in a relationship with him. Shortly after we started working together, people started talking (if you've been to Lee, you know how it is). Everyone wanted to know what was going on between us and when we were going to start dating. I always told them "Nothing is going on! We're just friends!" while secretly hoping they were seeing something I couldn't let myself dream about yet. One night, after a University worship night, Teagan asked me if I wanted to go on a walk. To which I very nonchalantly responded, "Yeah, I'd love that!" Let's be honest though, I was freaking out on the inside. On that walk, we talked about how we felt towards one another. It was filled with a lot of hesitation because of the way our lives would change over the next four months. Did it even make sense to date? We agreed to give it some time and see how it went. I recommended giving ourselves a few months to get to know one another well before committing to anything (count #3 of me being wrong and happy about it - are you spotting the trend here?). A few weeks later, after asking my parent's permission (I know... he's pretty incredible), Teagan and I started dating. We went long distance for a year after our first two months of dating. In that time, we learned so much about one another and ourselves. Teagan's selflessness, intentionality, and gentle heart were put on display as we navigated being away from one another for long stretches of time. I FULLY believe that I have fallen more in love with him every single day that we have been together, and I intend to continue loving him more and more until the end of our days. It is truly the greatest blessing and privilege to love Jacob Teagan Lenox.

Let me take you all the way back to 1998 where this story began... I was born. A few years later in 2001 the Lord brought my soon to be wife into this world. He had a plan all along to bring us together and fast forward 19 years later, we met. The only thing was, we were just friends... or rather friends of friends... acquaintances? Regardless, we met and were in similar spheres during my senior year at Lee University. I believe it was the Lord keeping us from pursuing one another in that season as there was a lot He was mending and molding in each of us. Those were very difficult times in my life and I had quite a bit of learning and healing to do before I was truly ready to be the man I needed to be as a husband. We both went our separate ways. I moved back to Nashville as she was finishing up her senior year at Lee. After a year I felt the Lord calling me back to Lee to pursue a Master's degree and work in higher education as a Resident Director. We seemed to just miss each other again as right as I got back to campus she decided to move to Honduras and serve as a missionary... rude. Just kidding, but it was interesting how the Lord's perfect will and perfect timing seemed to unfold. Going into my final semester working as a Resident Director we were hiring someone new onto our team. Can you guess who it was??? THE McKenzie Elaine McLeod. McKenzie showed up and from the moment she arrived there was something the Lord was stirring in my heart. To be honest, even before I found out she was the one we were hiring the Lord was stirring something in my heart. I immediately was drawn to her beauty and kindness and intelligence and just everything about her. However, I had told myself it didn't make any sense as I had known I was moving back to Nashville just a few months later. The Lord and EVERYONE else had a different idea. Basically from day 1 it felt like everyone and their mother was coming and telling me they thought McKenzie and I would be a good match. I didn't disagree... Still I dismissed these comments as I was not going to be living in the same city much longer. After a month of spending more and more time together, I began to actually catch feelings for McKenzie. I invited her and some others to a worship night happening on campus. Several agreed to come but somehow only McKenzie showed up (well played everyone... well played...). That night, we spent time worshipping the Lord and afterwards I asked if we could go on a walk and told her how I felt. We agreed to give it some time to make sure this is what the Lord wanted and after another month of patience, the Lord confirmed McKenzie was who I should pursue even if it meant being long distance for a time. The rest of our story is still unfolding as we have now stepped into engagement and soon marriage! It was not difficult to fall in love with McKenzie, nor did it take long to know she was exactly who the Lord had for me as my partner for life. She quickly became my best friend and the person who I love so deeply. I am so incredibly excited for our life together and to see what the Lord is going to do in and through our marriage. I love you McKenzie! This life is so sweet, thank you Lord!