My freshman year of college on the first day of math class, I sat with two of my friends on the very last row in the classroom. Two boys came in and walked all the way to the back and sat down making our row of 3, a row of 5. They were obviously athletes, dressed from head to toe in Memphis Baseball with backpacks to match. My friends and I all laughed as they took their seats because we knew they would come to regret their seat selection by the end of the semester. But, that was the very first time I ever saw Carter, and the last time I saw him in math class unless it was test day. Throughout college, Carter & I were connected by mutual friends and even had a few more classes together. We would always say hello when we ran into each other on campus, which seemed to happen a lot. He even peddled his bike at snail speed to match my walking beside him lol. Later that semester, I had a sorority date party and time was closing in for me to find a date. I "accidentally" ended up asking Carter and he replied " I'd LOVE to!" The night of the date party arrived and I was pretty anxious. Boy, was I worried for nothing! He was so outgoing and handled my awkward-shyness like a champ. We spent the night taking over the photo booth, dancing, and just being goofy together. He came with a refreshing sense of freedom and comfort all at once, it was a night I’ll never forget. We continued to talk and finally, on July 19, 2015 he asked me to be his girlfriend. Over the last 5 years of dating we’ve learned a lot about one another as we have grown from being college kids to young professionals and on into the start of our careers. Carter got down on one knee and asked me to marry him on July 25, 2020. Of course I said YES and I'm pretty sure I didn't stop crying the entire night. It was magical. I’m so fortunate that God has chosen Carter for me. He is someone I am so proud of everyday. Here’s to choosing you over and over, every day, forever, Joseph Carter White! XOXO, Cait

The story of Caitlin and I, is a rare & beautiful one. The correct timeline of a novel has a beginning, middle & end. However, Caitlin & I hold the keys to a story that has no ending. Our journey will officially begin 6/26/21 at 6:00pm but this journey has been in motion since Fall of 2012. That was when Caitlin & I first met. We had a math class together & sat next to each other on the first day. I knew there was something special about her the moment I walked in. But, I had to play it cool so I finished the entire class in the first week and never went back. Two years had gone by and we saw each other around campus and at social events. It was a Phi Mu formal that kick started our story. Caitlin didn't know who to take & was nervous to ask me. After discussing this “life altering” opportunity with her friends, she accidentally sent me a reply meant for her friend, Alex. I tried calling Caitlin to let her know my answer but in the process of her trying to stop the message from coming through she had turned her phone off. We now laugh about this accidental message & credit the text to sparking the flame. That night we made memories we still talk about today. With graduation quickly approaching, I was unsure about what the next chapter would hold. I did know Caitlin would be the main character by my side through thick and thin. While still in school balancing her studies & trying to keep up with my post college lifestyle, I realized how truly special she is. Caitlin was & is the true anchor to our relationship. She continuously put me before herself & went above and beyond because that’s the type of person she was raised to be. Caitlin is compassionate, affectionate, sincere, and determined to being the best person possible. I quickly came to the realization that life with her was astronomically better than without. To be honest, that’s the effect she has on everyone around her. She makes the world a better place, not just my world.

After many years, we are on the path to truly become one. Two individuals with the same common goals; love each no matter what & relentlessly pursue a life of happiness together. The next step to our journey was to solidify our commitment to each other with an engagement. I knew Caitlin deserved more than a perfect day. I began planning our engagement day months before to make it extra special. I picked out a ring (which she loves), set a date and began scheming. With the help of her best friends we settled on July 25th & started spreading the word. I set up a fake contest to win a couples photoshoot and she “won”. The big day came & shortly after arriving to take pictures my heart began to race, my legs felt 200 lbs a piece and my hands began to sweat. About the third pose in, I knew it was time. All in one motion I dropped down on one knee and pulled the ring out with flawless execution. About the time my eyes filled up, I uttered “Caitlin, you make me the happiest person on earth. Will you marry me?” (She said yes). Mission Accomplished. If the day had ended there, it would have been enough for her but I had one more trick up my sleeve. I convinced her not to call or text anyone so we could soak in the next few minutes by ourselves & celebrate our future just us two. After pictures we had a cookout we needed to get to with a small group of friends. Caitlin was unaware this cookout would include both of our families, all of our closest friends & decorations/pictures that highlighted all of the memories we have made together, leading up to engagement day. Now we are the proud owners of a house in East Memphis, a dog and a lifelong commitment to each other represented by the ring on her finger. Although we still have some time until our big day, we continue to live life in the moment because Caitlin is the type of girl that makes time stand still; so any moment with her is time well spent. I love you so much, Caitlin. -Carter