We're Getting Married!

In May 2020, in the middle of lockdown, Clayton decided to take a chance. Although they had grown up in the same area, walked the same route to and from school, and even attended the same high school, their paths had somehow never crossed. They were always closer than they realized, simply separated by timing. That spring, Clayton followed Riley on Instagram, fully intending to reach out. For weeks, he debated sending a message, quietly convincing himself she probably would not respond anyway. But when he saw Riley post a photo to her story, he decided it was time to stop overthinking and take the risk. He replied, telling her she was “so pretty,” complete with a heart-eyes emoji. He made it look effortless, but pressing send was anything but. Riley almost did not respond. She hesitated at first, but trusted the quiet nudge she would later see was God’s hand at work. What began as a simple message during an uncertain season became six years of growing together, not only in love but in faith. Through every high and low, they chose one another again and again, encouraging each other and drawing closer to Christ. What started as young love deepened into something steady, intentional, and rooted in purpose. All along, they had been walking the same path, waiting for the right moment to walk it side by side. On December 30, 2025, while on their vacation in Maui, Clayton got down on one knee and invited Riley into the next chapter of their story. As one year came to a close, a new beginning quietly unfolded, centered on faith, commitment, and forever. And this time, Riley did not hesitate to say yes.