Her Story I first locked eyes with Thomas after I bumped into the back of him at a concert. I apologized, both for running into him and for my friend who had decided to stand on his friend’s cooler in an attempt to see the band. We got to know each other between songs, and by the end of the night, he had asked for my number. The following week, he took me out for our first date, which morphed from a coffee date to a celebratory drinks date to a dinner date to meeting all my close friends (he was a trooper!) He convinced me to date him despite him moving to Germany, and we made the most of the time we had together. He is the biggest blessing to me and everything I could have dreamed of having in a husband and more - I cannot WAIT to be his wife!

His Story I physically bumped into Courtney at a concert in Auburn, AL on April 21st, 2018. A chance encounter at a concert is obviously crazy, but the circumstances that had allowed me to be there are also just as crazy. I'd been stationed at Fort Benning, GA since February 2017. Later that year I received orders assigning me to Germany. The date set for my move was March 2018. That month, one of the commanders in Germany reached out to me asking me to delay my move to attend another course at Benning. I cancelled my move. After waiting another month, I reported to the class at Benning on April 16th. The class had been overbooked, so I was sent away. I was obviously super frustrated, but in the moment, I was also glad I wouldn't be training in the field that weekend. Later that week, my friends Ben, Graham, and I heard about a concert in Auburn and decided to go. Shortly into the concert, I felt someone bump into me. I turned to see the prettiest girl with the sweetest way about her. She apologized and we laughed. We talked between songs and I remember being struck with her pretty eyes and sweet smile, and I couldn't believe how much we had in common. I got her number, and the next day I invited her on a coffee date. We went out a few days later, but coffee turned into drinks, which turned into dinner, which turned into meeting up with all her friends. I didn't want the night to end. I had less than 30 days before I moved to Germany, so I made every opportunity to see her. Somehow, during one of those many dates, I convinced her to date me long-distance. From Hohenfels, Germany to Auburn, AL (and later Suwanee, GA). I knew I was going to marry her before I left for Germany. It took her a little longer to figure that out, but I don't hold that against her. ;)

Her Side Thomas invited me to his parents lake house for the weekend, reminding me that all his siblings would be there, including his sister who lives in Germany. He urged me to ask off of work because of the rarity of all his whole family being together for a weekend. I ended up having the weekend off, and made my way to Lake Murray. Thomas had flown in from D.C. for the weekend and repeatedly told me how excited he was that I was able to come. The day-of felt like any normal day to me, but ask any of the McGuires and they would tell you how nervous they were! Thomas had told me that he wanted to take me on a boat ride so we could get some "us time" (and if you know me, you know I love boat rides!) We hopped on the boat and were on our way. After a short ride, he anchored the boat, and asked if I wanted some music put on. I said yes, thinking he would play the radio or a CD, but unbeknownst to me, he had hidden his guitar on the boat! He played and sang me a few original songs he had written, all the while feeling like I was in a movie scene. Then, he looked me in the eyes, told me how much he loved me and how long he knew he wanted to marry me, and he kneeled down and asked me to marry him!! I was shocked, excited, and overjoyed knowing I was the luckiest girl in the world! We rejoiced together, and made our way back to the house, where my family surprised me and the two families enjoyed a sweet engagement party of dinner, dancing, and storytelling. It was one of my favorite days of my life!

His Side Beyond choosing the perfect ring and the perfect setting to propose, I wanted to surprise Courtney. It's impossible for me to keep a secret from her, so that made the task all the more daunting. In June 2019, I received word from The Old Guard in Washington, DC that I'd been officially accepted to serve in the unit as a platoon leader. I was to report no later than October 1st. At that moment I hatched the proposal plan. I'd move back to The States by September 1st and propose two to three weeks after I'd returned. I knew she wouldn't expect it so soon, especially given how busy I'd be moving into a new place and starting a new job. It would be the perfect cover. In July, my brother, Franklin, helped me reach out to the jeweler who had made his wife's ring. I explained what I was looking for, and I was confident she'd find it. In early August, she'd found it. I planned to look at the ring and make final arrangements in person my first weekend back in The States. The ring was almost ready, so I worked to fine-tune the plan. I settled on September 21st as the day. My immediate family would all be there, including my sister, Emily, who was visiting from Germany. I knew how much Courtney loved boat rides on the lake, so my parents' house on Lake Murray would be the perfect place. I also knew Courtney would want her family there, so I invited the Spaces to surprise her after the proposal. The day finally came, and later that afternoon, I took Courtney out on the boat for a sunset cruise. We found a beautiful spot to anchor, and I brought out my guitar which was hidden in the cabin. I played a couple of songs, and told her how special she was to me. I asked her to marry me, and through the squeals and smiles I asked "Is that a Yes??" We brought the boat back to the dock and walked up the the porch where everyone was gathered. The Spaces popped out and the celebration began, with "Do you remember - the 21st night of Sept" playing. It was the best night!