Tim and I met for the first time while I was home for winter break during my freshman year at the University of Florida. I always joke that we had the invisible string theory thing going, because somehow we hadn't met earlier even though we both lived in Tallahassee, he was best friends with many of my guy friends, and he even served my dad ten million grape sodas while working in the Pro Shop of my neighborhood golf course. All jokes aside, I strongly believe God brought us together at just the perfect time. While home for December of 2020, we were both invited to a friend's bonfire and got the chance to meet for the first time! I remember thinking he was so handsome but unfortunately nothing would come of it, since I was headed back to school in early January. I remember playing a round of beer pong with Tim and mentioning to my friend Spencer that I thought he may be hitting on me? Spencer immediately shot me down and jokingly said "nah he asked me to cuddle a few minutes ago it's not you" to which I laughed and shrugged I guess that must be it haha! Fast forward a few months later, I was coming back from school to Tallahassee for the summer. I remember complaining to Meredith (my now maid of honor) about wanting a boyfriend to which my very bold best friend recommended I add someone cute on Snapchat (silly looking back on now but I'm glad I did). So, thinking back on our meet cute at the winter bonfire, I immediately added Tim. We chatted over the phone for a few days, and I quickly learned how sweet and funny Tim is. I remember specifically telling him that I cannot do a cartwheel to which he immediately sent a video of him doing a cartwheel in his driveway in the dark. I was cracking up because this was definitely an interesting way to impress me but nonetheless I loved the effort haha! Then it didn't take long before we were set to go to dinner for our first date. He picked me up from my house and we went to dinner at a new Mexican restaurant that had opened on Thomasville Road. I remember being nervous and chatting probably too much while slowly eating bites of my chicken tacos. Tim being the fast eater he still is, finished his burrito in about 0.2 seconds to which the waitress came back and said HOLY CRAP! I couldn't contain my laughter and thankfully we have been laughing together ever since. After many more dates that month, I was battling with my growing feelings for Tim and my fears of starting a new relationship when I would be headed back to Gainesville so soon. At the time, Tim was taking classes in-person at Tallahassee Community College with plans to transfer to UF after he completed his AA. That would leave the entire fall semester of us being apart, and I simply didn't know how we would continue to grow this new relationship if we weren't even in the same city. Tim being the amazing man he always has been, listened to my concerns and asked if we could just pray about it. He said we should both take time to talk to God about our situation and to ask Him to make it clear if this was the direction we should go. I remember thinking "well I simply can't disagree with that" haha, so we did just that and we prayed. The very next day Tim was notified that the class he was scheduled to take in-person at TCC was moved to online only, and his dad recommended he move to Gainesville early to get settled before the next semester. I remember when Tim told me this I almost didn't believe him. It was such a clear cut opened door that I could not deny as being an answered prayer. So Tim did just what his dad said and he moved to Gainesville. From that day where Tim reminded me to look to God for direction, I knew he was the Godly kind of man I wanted to marry. While this story was just a glimpse into the story of us, I think it perfectly encapsulated the silly, loving, and God-centered marriage that I am so blessed to be entering with my best friend.

Our life was full of hidden connections. We shared friends but never were free at the same time when those friends got together. My sisters went to and mom worked at her high school. Her family lived in the neighborhood where I worked at the golf course, and I’d often see her dad who was a member. But our paths hadn’t crossed yet. Finally, all of that changed on a school break when we were invited to a friend’s hunting property for a party. I had always heard great things about her, and I knew she was pretty, but when she walked in for the first time, I vividly remember thinking that she was the most beautiful girl ever. We got to talking, played some party games, and I tried my best to make a good impression. Later, Abby would share that she asked one of my friends that night if I was flirting and he said “nahhh,” so she thought not too much of it. Sorry Spencer, but the answer was yes. A few months later, she was back in town for summer vacation. The friend group all hung out a lot that summer. Every time we would all get together, I’d like her more and more. She was a Christian, kind, funny, and gorgeous… and a Gator! My dream girl. It was my sisters birthday and seeing her with her boyfriend made me realize how I wanted a relationship, and there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted it to be with Abby. This part she doesn’t believe, but I swear is true. I was sitting there working up the courage to add her on Snapchat (the 2000’s-baby version of asking a girl for their number hahah), when the notification popped up saying that she added me. I took that as a green light, and we finally started talking. We quickly realized how much we hard shared values, senses of humor, and goals. Our conversations lasted hours and we never ran out of things to talk about. I asked her on a date about a month later. I remember pulling into Abby’s neighborhood to pick her up for our first date and seeing Meredith driving the other way. I’m not great at math but I can put 2 and 2 together. A while later I found out that Meredith was there to hype her up, and provide a little liquid courage (a singular seltzer hahah). Our first date was great! We got along even better in person. We did get interrupted though… out waiter walked over and said, “Holy S***!” because I ate my food insanely fast out of nervousness. But we laughed it off and got back to the conversation. It just felt easy and right. We had a few more dates in quick succession and they were all amazing. We were both falling hard. By now, we both know we wanted to date. However, Abby going back to school in Gainesville in just a week was the only hiccup. I had been admitted to UF, pending completing one more in-person prerequisite class at TCC. Starting something new over distance seemed like a challenge. I asked her if we could pray about it and see what doors God could open. The very next morning, I got an email saying my in-person class was moved to online and my dad encouraged me to move down to Gainesville early. I still get goosebumps and teary-eyed thinking of that moment. Abby and I were so happy. Later that week, we went to a movie with friends. Once I dropped her off at her friends after, we kissed, and I asked her to officially be my girlfriend. She said, “I’d love to” and we celebrated dancing in her friends front yard. I packed her a snack bag filled with all her favorites, and snuck it onto her car door the night before she left for Gainesville. A few days later I moved down myself. Gainesville has been great to us. We have both grown so much. So much laughter, dancing, Gator games, and date nights. Falling for her more and more every single day. It has been such an honor to see Abby set ambitious goals, and not just achieve them, but excel in doing so. She has grown into such an amazing woman. It is a honor to love her and support her. I cannot wait to keep growing up with you, pretty girl. You’re my world. I love you more!