It's the beginning of 2019, Rachel had just gotten out of a negative relationship. Tired, confused, and prompted by the Holy Spirit, Rachel believed He had more in store for her. Our pastor always says "give me a year of your life" and see how God can transform it. Rachel decided to go 'all in' and joined a Freedom small group through their church. There she met Blaire Crabtree and they instantly became best buds. Blaire joked with Rachel about dating her brother, but at the time Rachel needed to heal and Brian was unavailable. Fast forward to 2020, the roles are reversed and now Rachel is the one who is unavailable. In August 2020, Brian sent Blaire a picture Rachel had posted on instagram with the message "why can't I marry her?" Blaire, being the great wingwoman she is, immediately sent a screenshot to Rachel. Rachel's curiosity was sparked, but being in a relationship with someone else, she brushed it off as a joke. January 2021 rolls around and Rachel is single again. She jokingly texts Blaire and says 'PSA: your brother can marry me now...' February 2021, Brian messages Rachel and states his desire to take her on a date. February 27th, 2021, Rachel and Brian go on their first date. They have been inseparable ever since. Brian asked Rachel to marry him a year to the date of their first date. Both Rachel and Brian continuously thank God for his perfect timing, persistence, and answered prayer that they are to each other.

Being long distance, Brian and Rachel spent their weekends either at his house in Anniston, her house in Tuscaloosa, or her parents house in Brownsboro. This particular weekend, they planned to meet in Brownsboro. Brian kept telling Rachel he 'really wanted to go hiking,' which is an important detail because Brian does not usually like to hike. Rachel mentions Monte Sano State Park and Brian creates a plan that they will spend Saturday hiking and putting their hammocks up to relax - and also get engaged, but Rachel couldn't know that detail yet. The weekend rolls around and there is nothing but rain in the forecast. Brian told Rachel's mom "I don't have a backup plan!" Despite the weather, Brian still comes up with an idea that includes some of Rachel's favorite things. They spent their Saturday going to a brewery, shopping, and going to Trader Joe's for fresh flowers. After running out of things to do around town, Brian is persistent about going to Monte Sano. At this point, there is a break in the rain, so the two decide to at least go to the lookout spot. The drive up Monte Sano mountain was extremely foggy and drizzly, but the lookout spot still provided a romantic view of the trees and the fog. Brian prompts Rachel to turn around, so he 'can take her picture looking out over the mountain.' He tells her 'OK, I got it!' and as she turns around he is on one knee and says 'Rachel, will you marry me?' The rain immediately starts to pour, but it does not phase the two as they bask in the moment of pure joy. Afterwards, Brian orchestrated a surprise gathering at Rachel's oldest sister's house where members of both families fellowshipped and celebrated the newly engaged couple!