We both started physical therapy school at MUSC in May of 2021 but didn't really cross paths until our friend groups went to Spring Break together in Miami. Cue "Mr. Brightside". One late night in Miami, sparks flew but it took Preston a couple months to make a move. Just like most good relationships, conversations started back on Snapchat when Sophie posted a picture at Buccee's that prompted a reply. We talked all month on break and then I offered to take Sophie out on a "pre-race meal" before leaving for her Ironman. Fun fact she had no clue it was a date until 24hrs beforehand, she literally thought it was just a friendly meal. I was so obviously flirting with her too, but anyways that is beside the point. It's safe to say the rest was history and we have been inseparable since. Countless hours have been spent studying together, hanging out at Sophie's apartment in between classes, going on walks downtown and sharing each others' love of exercise. We have explored new parts of the country, seen incredible concerts, and grown in our faith together. We are so blessed that the Lord gave us the honor to love one another and start this next chapter in our lives.

We always take turns planning date nights for each other so it was not surprising that Preston had a date planned for July 29th. Sophie had been talking all week about wanting to go to the Barbie movie and little did she know that was the final piece of the puzzle needed to pull the proposal off. I told her we were going to the movie followed by a surprise restaurant and drinks. I claimed there was this new bar downtown we were going to after dinner, definitely not true but successful in throwing her off. After the movie, I knew that if I got Sophie to Sullivan's Island she would suggest going to "our spot" at Fort Moultrie. I worked with Sophie's dad beforehand to get a gift card to Longboard on Sullivan's Island. I had him give it to her a couple days prior claiming that a patient gifted it to him and he just didn't want it. So it only made sense to go to Longboard that night because it was basically a "free" dinner. Once there, it started pouring rain and I was panicking inside because there was no plan B. Sophie still mentioned going to the spot after dinner since there was a brief pause in the rain. I said we could run out there real quick since we had not been there in a while and if we got wet then we could go home and change. Once we got closer to the swing at the spot, Sophie was so shocked to see rose petals and thought, "Oh my goodness, someone just got proposed to here!" Little did she know until she saw our journal and photo album that it was actually our proposal. In the journal it read "1 year, 1 month, 11 days. Dear Sophie, Today is the day. You and me. Forever and always. Love, Preston" It was then that I got down on one knee and immediately the rain started pouring. It was such a surreal moment with just the two of us on the beach alone. Our friend, Emma, was hiding in the bushes taking pictures, soaked as well. We jumped in the water and took a few more pictures before sitting on the swing so I could tell Sophie the whole story of the process. It was in that moment that there was a dolphin jumping out of the water- which actually happened in that exact place when we first discovered "our spot" on one of our very first dates. It couldn't have been more perfect. Afterwards, we headed back to Sophie's parents house to be welcomed by family and friends to celebrate the occasion! We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you.