Spencer: I first met Shelby at an ultimate frisbee tournament in Raleigh in 2018. She was new to frisbee and I was immediately attracted to her. I kept my thoughts to myself for the next 3 years. The more time passed, the more our paths would cross and we’d get a sneak peek into each other’s lives. Usually the experience would end with me thinking I should be with her. Shelby: Spencer and I met pretty early on the frisbee field after I returned home from my days of yachting. We were both on a team called “Chugboat”. From 2018 to 2021, Spencer and I were friends at a distance. I thought Spencer was very handsome and attractive, but I remember thinking that he was out of my league. He was the “football star” and I was just a measly freshman admiring from afar. Spencer: Then in the fall of 2021, an opportunity presented itself. Since I love to hike and camp, I usually try to plan a few trips during the year to somewhere new. This year I was planning a weekend on the Linville Gorge river in Pisgah. I thought this would be the perfect time to invite Shelby to join the group. To my surprise, not only did she say yes, but she was the only one that could go! While I didn’t plan for that, I had to smile and nod at the big man above, who I believe did. Shelby: By 2021 Spencer and I were messaging more often, exchanging memes and videos about working out, politics, and religion – which is how we knew we aligned in our morals and values. When Spencer planned a group camping trip, all of our friends bailed. To Spencer’s surprise, I agreed to join him alone. He planned the whole weekend and we set out on our first adventure together. Spencer: When we met to carpool, it was obvious that Shelby lacked real hiking gear. Her sleeping bag was stuffed like a dead body in a sack that she draped over her pack as she hiked. Once on the trail, we exchanged every question we could think of. There was never an awkward moment and we had lots of laughs. We set out on the trail the next morning for an excruciating 4-mile uphill climb out of the gorge. She was up for the challenge and passed with flying colors! Shelby: Spencer did all the planning and coordinating. He was very respectful in every way. The weekend weather was perfect and was filled with music, laughter, fire, games, and adventure. We asked tons of questions and just let the conversation flow naturally. Spencer: After our camping adventure, we spent our last night at an Airbnb. I requested separate beds, and this is where I first learned how stubborn Shelby is. I wanted to give her the bed while I took the sleeping pad on the floor, but she wouldn’t budge from that pad. I even offered to cuddle with her and she didn’t move! I suppose this was also where I learned how selfless she is. I think it’s something that’s engraved in her and still shows up every day we’re together. Shelby: On our last night, we stayed in a room at this old lady’s house. When we arrived the “bed” was a mattress on the floor and the “cot” was a pad next to the mattress. I chose to sleep on the pad because I am stubborn and Spencer reluctantly took the mattress. Right before dosing off, Spencer bravely said “do you want to cuddle?”. I was secretly happy that he asked, but reluctantly declined. I think he pouted a little, but he respected my decision. Spencer: I couldn’t have asked for better weather, scenery, and especially company. I would be lying if I said she didn’t turn me on to a little country music as well on the way back home. I never would have thought this country girl would be my first and last. I thank God for that opportunity in letting us find each other in the end. Adventures have certainly continued since then and it’s only getting better! Shelby: And that was the beginning of our forever! God sure has wonderous ways of working through our lives. We are thankful for the trials and challenges that led us to each other. Here’s to a lifetime of love, growth, and adventures together!