T: Seeing Renee for the first time was without a doubt the closest "love at first sight" experience of my life. While standing outside waiting for a professional/community function to begin, I saw Renee as she approached the entrance of the venue. Now people, the next part might seem hard to believe but I said to my buddy/colleague who was standing beside me (and Nathan has confirmed this on several occasions): "Did you see that girl? She wasn't wearing a wedding ring?!" For me, that was the "beginning" of a life changing experience! R: Of course I remember meeting Tim; he introduced himself, lol! Plus, he was the only one there wearing a bow tie. With that said, I had no idea anything was "beginning". T: The next day (I'm telling y'all this is the truth. I'd bullshit you but you know Renee would never lie, so ask her) I started formulating a plan to get to know Renee. A couple of months later my plan started to take shape as Renee agreed to a (business) proposal I had submitted after several meetings with her and her staff. R: All I'm thinking is: 'They finally sent someone with a plan that's exactly what I wanted'. At the time, I really didn't care who it was! T: After closing that deal, with business finished, I asked Renee out. About 5 days later she accepted (another story in itself). R: My attention was on getting the business deal started! Going on a date--even with a smart, handsome guy--was the last thing on my mind. But Tim seemed like fun--and I was pretty sure he wasn't on any of the murder podcasts I listen to, lol! T and R: At some point after all this, we fell madly in love--against all odds in some regards. Now, we are so happy to be sharing the "beginning" of our new life together with you, our families and friends.

T: While I knew I would eventually propose to Renee, I really didn't know when that would be. Fortunately for me, Renee did. I did know I would need to buy a ring but I really didn't know how to go about it. Once again, Renee guided me through the whole ring selection process. More accurately, Renee guided me out of the process so she and my friend (owner of Village Jewelers) Charlie could take care of everything for me! R: I definitely felt like a princess when Tim arranged a private appointment to visit Charlie and pick out the ring! As that day got closer, I could hear the shortness of breath and anxiety growing in Tim. Not about the ring—but as a lifelong bachelor, the reality of getting married was hitting hard! A first aid kit seemed in order so on the way, I pulled out each item: an inhaler, smelling salts, Rolaids and the BIGGEST bottle of Jack Daniels the ABC store had! T: Now I had the ring I knew Renee would love but I really didn't have a plan as to how or when I should give it to her. The one thing I did know was I wanted to ask Renee's mother for her blessing before doing so. R: Being a Southern gentleman Tim insisted on getting her blessing before proposing. That meant a lot to me, and I know good manners, respect and tradition meant a lot to Mom. T: This story cannot be fully appreciated without knowing that during this time in our relationship, Renee's mother was engaged in an inspiring battle with cancer, so time was of the essence here. R: Mom fought a 2-year battle with no complaints and fierce resolve. We were grateful for every day, especially as it became evident that treatment was no longer effective. T:We picked July 29th because Renee and I were going to an event in Charlotte and could meet at her mother's house on the way. Aware that all girls seem to get giddy at the sight of a diamond ring, I decided to take the ring along to show Mrs. Robbins. R: By that day, mom's condition had reached the point where she spent most of her time in her bed. She was experiencing periods of confusion and “fuzzy thinking”. But I still had high hopes that this whole thing would go well for Tim and mom. T: I pulled up a chair beside her bed and began to ask Mrs. Robbins for her blessing. She began responding in a manner in keeping with the discussion, however at some point she began to stray a bit. After about 30 minutes I was at a loss as to how to bring her back to my original request. R: I stood anxiously waiting in the hallway expecting the bedroom door to swing open...it didn't. T: I had no idea what to do. Thankfully I looked down and saw the ring box in my pocket. I pulled it out and said hey "look what I got for Renee". She took the box, studied it for a moment and then said "well does Renee know?" I told her that Renee knew about it but didn't know that I brought it today. She asked why and I said I hadn't planned on proposing today. She looked me in the eye and said simply "I think you should". I tried to change the subject and get back to my original plan but she was having NONE OF THAT! R: Finally he emerged from mom's bedroom and mumbled "come on". T: I was about to begin but realized that Mrs. Robbins still had the ring so I looked at her and said "I guess I'm going to need this" R: I was so confused about what was going on but when Tim got down on one knee I knew--and the tears started! T: I would like to think that eventually I would have come up with some meaningful, romantic way to propose but I know nothing I could have come up with could approach this perfect scene in this perfect place. God choose to not only bless our union but also to provide Renee and I a memory that will forever live in that ring and in our marriage. R: Mom held on for only one more week. We often talk about our many blessings and how our families are the greatest of these. Now, I not only get to marry my best friend as we become family, but also carry a piece of my mom to take with us into our new life!

Greetings. If you are here that means you received an invitation to our wedding next month. We know those invitations are somewhat symbolic as we realize it's unrealistic to think that most of you will be able to join us in Rome for the actual ceremony. However, it was very important to us that we share this news and our happiness with those who mean the most to us. So please know that your invitation does symbolize that you are a very special part of our lives as we celebrate this, our new life together ! Often in times of shared reflection we have agreed that our greatest blessings are not material in nature but rather the blessing of our family and friends...like you. Thank you for being here for us and with us for this important occasion and time in our lives. Physical distance will not preclude us from sharing this with you and we greatly appreciate you sharing it with us ! With our love, Renee and Tim