During the summer of 2019, a mutual friend from Liberty University connected the two of us and said we would be perfect for one another. I already knew who Stephen was since he ran for class office the year before, and I remember telling my mom then that I thought he was cute! Stephen reached out to me for the first time on August 12, 2019, to set up our blind date ... little did we know we would get married four years later to the day from when we first communicated! On August 17, we had brunch for our first date at Magnolia Foods in Lynchburg, Virginia, and the connection was instant. We saw one another nearly every day after our first date and quickly fell in love. A few weeks later on September 5, Stephen asked me to be his girlfriend at the peak of Sharp Top Mountain after a hike and picnic. The earliest months of our relationship during our senior year at Liberty were filled with lots of dates and time spent together, but most of our relationship has been long-distance with Stephen in law school in Lynchburg and with me working in Washington, D.C. We have spent many hours on FaceTime and have both traveled many miles (literally by planes, trains, and automobiles), so we could spend time together as much as possible while living miles apart. Being long-distance is a challenge, but it has made us stronger and allowed us to go on adventures and fun dates in numerous cities and states along the East Coast. We have made so many special memories, and some of our favorite dates have been New York City at Christmastime, Disney World, beach days, sushi picnics by the water, hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the White House West Wing, and our dinner-in movie nights! On the weekend we got engaged, Stephen drove up from Fort Myers, Florida to spend the weekend with me and my family on vacation in Sea Island, Georgia. On June 4, 2022, we had the best day and spent time on the beach and at the pool and exploring Sea Island. Later that evening, Stephen proposed in one of my favorite spots of the resort in a garden grove next to a chapel, and of course, I said yes (even though he was wearing Crocs!). It was such a special moment and one we will both treasure forever. My brother was nearby videoing, and my parents were there to celebrate with us shortly after. We are thankful God brought us together, for the love we share, and for everyone who has been a part of our journey. As our story continues to unfold, we are now excitedly planning our wedding on August 12, 2023, as we prepare for marriage and plan our future. We cannot wait for forever together and to become a family as we look forward to our adventures to come and what God has in store.