We're getting married!

We met in college while working at Newk’s in Starkville. From the moment Dylan started, I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. I found myself staying late under the excuse of helping others, just to spend more time near him. I even memorized his work schedule... I waited months for him to make a move, but eventually, I couldn’t take it anymore and added him on Snapchat. I was nervous at first, worried he didn’t feel the same. But around finals week in December, he found me in Mitchell Memorial Library where I was knee deep in research papers. He sat with me for hours. In a time where I would normally despise all things distracting, Dylan found a way to put me at ease. Suddenly, the pressure of finals week didn't seem so "end-of-the-world." We spent every day together after that. And on December 23, 2023, just before I headed home for Christmas, Dylan took me to lunch and asked me to be his girlfriend! That February, he met my (very loud, very opinionated) family. Somehow the quiet, reserved guy held his own and won them over. A few weeks later on spring break, I met his family, explored his childhood home, and got a glimpse into the people and places that shaped him. After that trip, I called my mom and said, “I think I’m gonna marry him.” She thought I was a little crazy—but I knew what I felt. In May, I graduated from Mississippi State and moved home to start my teaching career, while Dylan stayed in Starkville to finish his degree. Long distance wasn’t easy, but we made it work. We supported each other through every new chapter, and talked about our future constantly. Marriage wasn’t a "what if"—it was a milestone we knew would come soon enough when we were ready. Then, on July 4th, 2025, the moment I had been dreaming of came true. Standing on the most beautiful beach, Dylan dropped to one knee, gave me the most tear-inducing speech, and asked me to marry him. To say this was the easiest "yes" I've ever spoken would be an understatement. Now, we’re soaking in every moment of this season—grateful for where we’ve been, and so excited for all that’s ahead. We can’t wait to start this new chapter of life together, surrounded by the people who’ve loved and supported us every step of the way.