Tia and Ian met March of 2015 on a mission trip through the Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) at the University of Georgia to help repair and renovate parts of the Baptist Conference Center. Though it was officially spring, it was still very cold, and one member of the student body had the bright idea to get everyone to jump in the lake. It was during this encounter that Ian and Tia first met. As soon as everyone jumped in the frigid waters, it became mass chaos as all were attempting to get out of the water as quickly as possible. When Tia emerged from the lake, to her surprise, Ian was standing there with a towel and offered it to her. Tia and Ian had a couple passing conversations during the trip, but it wouldn't be until after returning that they began spending time together. They would hangout with friends after BCM gatherings and attended a semi formal through Ian's fraternity. Shortly after attending the semi formal, Ian worked up the courage to ask Tia on a date. During that first date, they enjoyed some Greek food and almost getting lost at the Athens Botanical Gardens. It would be seven years later that Ian would ask Tia to be his wife at the Athens Botanical Gardens where it all began. On July 9, 2022 Ian proposed. Tia thought they were going to Athens for her birthday and to get a photo shoot done for Ian's mother, Kyle, for Mother's Day (she is always asking for photos). Ian had schemed with the photographer and when Tia and Ian arrived, they casually met and walked to the selected location for the "Mother's Day photos". When they got to the spot, Ian dropped down on one knee and unveiled the ring to Tia's bliss and shock. Afterwards, Tia and Ian migrated to downtown Athens to get what Tia thought was a "celebratory beer". Once again to her shock, Kyle and Reed helped Ian plan a surprise engagement party. When Ian and Tia walked into Creature Comforts Brewery, they were met with cheers from a crowd of friends and family there to celebrate the exciting news. To finish out the day's celebrations and chat about their big plans, Kyle and Bub hosted a family dinner with Ian's siblings and cousins.