We met in Social Work 101, January 2023. David stood out as he was THE only guy in Social Work at the time. During class introductions, I realized that I had taken his dad's class the year before, and we ended up talking (shout out KO).

Over time and many skipped classes, we ended up catching feelings (he fell first). David admitted he liked me under the stars on February 13th and asked me on a date the next day. Very convenient ;). We went on the date but felt God inviting us to talk to Him first. So, we spent the month of March praying about the relationship. During this time, we learned more about each other and got to have some hard, vulnerable conversations. Unknowingly, God was preparing our hearts for a harder season ahead. All the while, we felt God was answering our prayers and uncertainties but also telling us, "Wait." So, we waited. Then, on March 30th, he surprised me up on Liberty Mountain with a rose and a note asking to be my boyfriend. Finally, on April 1st, David's birthday, we went on our first OFFICIAL date; it was AMAZING!! David and I walked around downtown Lynchburg, talking and laughing for hours. He bought me a vintage heart locket nearby, we got Crumbl cookies, and then finished the night by watching LaLa Land together. He planned it all– talk about a good man! That night, however, I felt unusually heavy. Confused, I asked God why I felt so odd after such a great night, and He simply responded, "Wait." Two days later, April 3rd, 2023, we understood why God was telling us to wait. That day, my brother Isaiah passed away. David and I were immediately thrown into a very complicated and unexpected season. Remarkably, though, he stayed by my side. Despite having never met my brother (or really, my family), he took on the role of LIFE partner, no questions asked. As a result, he got to know my family intimately– immediately (just ask him about his story with my dad that week XD). Over the next year and a half, we grew ever closer and went on many fun adventures together! Some of which included birthday scavenger hunts (my favorite)! We had so much fun that on December 13th, 2024, David asked me to be his girlfriend forever. :)

David got two of our friends in Social Work to help him create a scavenger hunt for me with riddles for the location/activity clues. The first was Starbucks– my old job; he stole an old apron of mine and pulled it out as the first clue. So we sat, talked, and shared a pink drink while, unbeknownst to me, our friends were setting up an elaborate flower picnic at the park! After I figured out the next clue, we headed that way and (also unbeknownst to me) almost ran into the girls setting up! He then led me down a flower-lined trail with a blanket in the bend, stopped, and popped the question! I, naturally, could not stop crying. Once we got home, he surprised me again with my out-of-town best friends, and a beautiful engagement party, where I also couldn't stop crying. For those wondering, was I surprised? Yes & no. I showed him many rings but had no idea he had one already! Do I like the ring? Yes, I LOVE the ring– my fanciest piece of jewelry. :) Now we are here, and we cannot wait to join you all on our most exciting day yet– getting hitched!!