Our first unofficial date was competing in an obstacle course race called "The Barbarian Challenge" at Noccalula Falls State Park in Gadsden, Alabama. I realized that Leah could run circles around me and that I would be chasing her the rest of my life ;) Our first official date was an entire day where we went to several different places that all served a purpose. 1. Alabama Biscuit Company - Because we had to get several months worth of deep theological conversations in and you can't do that without quality coffee and gourmet biscuits. 2. High Point Indoor Rock Climbing - Because I wanted to see her try something she had never done before (she was a natural!). 3. The Rocket / New Girl - Because you have to be able to eat barbecue and laugh together! (This is one we repeat often!) Mixed in there were also two dates where we cooked our "best" meal for one another...and more New Girl of course ;)

For Leah's 21st birthday, we went to Arrington Vineyards right outside of Nashville for a beautiful picnic in the sunset. Two years later, once again on her birthday, I had an even more special picnic in mind. After conspiring with her friends and family, we came up with a plan. On the morning of her birthday, her friends "insisted" on spending some quality time with her without me. While they were off having brunch and getting massages, I met Leah's mom at Arrington to set up our private picnic. We found a secluded spot out the woods where a group of Oak trees formed a natural gate leading to an area of plush green grass. Lolo worked her decorating magic while I went back to Nashville to pick Leah up from her "Girls date". We made the 30 minute drive from Nashville to Arrington with Leah begging for us to stop at McDonalds to get her a cheeseburger the entire time. I assured her that we would get one after the "dinner reservations" I had made. She had no idea where we were going. When we arrived at Arrington, she was excited but seemed confused as to why I was insisting that we walk around the vineyard in the rain instead of taking shelter inside and ordering something to eat. As we approached the picnic I had set up, decorated with sentimental pieces from our many memories together, she realized I was up to something. She later told me that she just thought I was "going all out" for her birthday after missing her birthday the previous year. As we approached our picnic in the rain, everything quite wet at this point, I sat the umbrella we were carrying down and grabbed both her hands. I began to describe the many memories of our story together as well as the many difficulties that we had been through. I saw a wave of emotion wash over as she realized this was the moment that we both had been waiting for and dreaming about for so long. "The best part our story," I said as I knelt down on one knee, "is that it is only just beginning." After a moment that felt like an eternity, she said YES. We shared a special and memorable time together at our picnic before heading back to her house to celebrate with her friends! It was a magical day that we will never forget!