We’re getting married!

I was in the middle of my master’s program and was sent to Charleston for a clinical rotation to catch some babies. I’d heard of this dating App called Hinge, and thought, “why not? I need some people to show me the city.” Enter Sam. He slid into the DMs offering to show me around. He made a (not so) bold assumption that I must play volleyball because of my height. He was right. Fast forward a month of chatting virtually to our first official date: sand volleyball on Folly Beach. Little did we know this would be the beach I would tell my parents about Sam, and where I’d meet some of his family a few months later. After finishing grad school, I took a trip to Tanzania to volunteer as a midwife. By some coincidence Sam's sister, Leah, had already begun writing her first novel "A labor of Love," which is about a midwife’s journey in Tanzania. Meant to be, or what? Sam and I talked everyday despite the time difference. It was then I knew this guy was committed. He even volunteered to drive me across country back to Texas from Nashville after my return from abroad so I could figure out my future. What a dude. We hated the distance between us, so it wasn't long before Sam was scheming to get me back to Charleston, SC while I looked for a midwifery position. Thankfully, I was able to land a travel nurse gig at a local Charleston hospital on the Labor and Delivery unit. We love Charleston, but we both wanted a bigger city with more opportunities for growth. Looking at the map, we decided to try Atlanta, GA. We’ve both settled in great…well…as good as it gets in a global pandemic. But overall, we’ve made some great connections and love the life we’re creating. Sam easily charmed my whole family, even turning my grandma, Nanny, into a STRONG advocate. Every phone call ends with a threat/plea, “Now don’t you run that boy off! He’s a good one.” Wish granted, Nanny. He’s here to stay.

Sam quickly learned of my Christmas light obsession and planned a double date with his friend, Isaac, at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in December. Isaac was bringing a “date” he had been seeing for well over a month now. Or so I thought. We had been to the Botanical Gardens the year before, and it was just magical. I kind of thought this site would be perfect for a proposal, but I just knew it wasn’t happening that night. We had an appointment to look at rings together the following weekend. Smooooooothe move, Sam. Isaac met us at the entrance while his date was just inside getting a drink. We walked about 20 steps into the Gardens under this twinkling archway when Sam quickly dropped to one knee. This is where the story gets fuzzy for both of us. I have no recollection of his words after he pulled out that diamond. I was in SHOCK. I don’t think could even get words out until a solid 3 minutes after he asked, “Will you marry me?” Obviously, I said yes. And turns out, Isaac’s mystery date was a professional photographer who secretly captured our special moment.

For our wedding, we've decided to celebrate in Austin, TX. I've coerced Sam into attending enough UT football games with me now, so he understands the city's hype. It's a pretty special place and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do! To add some additional cheer, we've asked our favorite little people (Sam's six nieces and nephews and my little twin cousins) to be our wedding party. We couldn't be more excited to have our junior bridesmaids/groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearers walk down the aisle before we say, "I do." They're running the show, so be prepared for a good time :) Thank you for being a part of our special day! We can't wait to celebrate and create memories we will cherish forever!