We met at the good ole HPU! Stephen and I had the same friend group and church community while at school. I'm convinced we had spoken and probably even hugged, considering I hug everyone, but I truly do not remember talking with him until December. Before the end of the fall 2016 semester, a Charlotte group chat was made so we could meet up over break. Over Christmas break, Stephen and I began texting and chatting over House Party – basically, an app that allows for group FaceTiming; it was epic, but short-lived. At the beginning of January, Stephen took me out on a date, and we ended up talking in the Walmart parking lot for hours that night. All throughout the following semester we spent time getting to know each other over countless Cookout dates! Four months later Stephen asked me out, and let's just say the rest is history! I owe it all to Walmart and Cookout!

Stephen out did himself with this one my friends! Stephen and his family have grown up going to Lake Tillery. It's safe to say he thrives around water, especially the lake! Over the past two and a half years, we have taken and still take many trips to the lake. It's sweet to share in his love for the lake. This day in particular, I was feeling under the weather, but went to the lake anyways because I knew how badly Stephen wanted to go. We got to the lake and took a boat ride over to our lunch spot. After lunch, we made our way to the dock, where, to my GREAT surprise, there were flower petals leading up to a table of photos and memories. At the end of the dock Stephen got down on one knee, reminded me of how deeply he loved me, and told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. I was in TOTAL shock, but was overjoyed to say YES!