Don't mind if we do

For the two: often crossing paths; hoping one was interested; patience for the rest. For the soon-to-bes: time was relative; life promised no certainties; souls were on the quest. For the perfect match: the future was now; everything fell into place; freshly effloresced.

The first time Will laid eyes on her, he was surrounded by laughter and chatter in a Jeep brimming with sorority sisters, excitement buzzing in the air as they prepared for the very first South Alabama football tailgate of the season. Yet, it was the moment Addie walked up to the car to join her sisters that truly felt electric, as if the world around him faded into a blur. For Addie, the butterflies began at a Halloween party where she was playfully dressed in lively 80's jazzercise attire. Amidst the revelry, she caught Will's gaze and waved him over, a bashful smile on her lips. Little did she know, this encounter would ignite a connection that would blossom into something beautiful, marked by laughter and meaningful conversations. Their journey through college was not without its challenges, but together they navigated the uncertainties, each moment drawing them closer. They shared countless nights at Greek life events and were always pushing one another to reach new heights and embrace opportunities, molding them into who they were becoming. After six years of learning the intricate layers of each other’s hearts, Will felt the time had come to take the leap. He orchestrated a dreamy getaway to New Orleans, where 5 years prior they spent 2019's Fat Tuesday joining in on the vibrant spirit of the city, dancing in the street to the live music right below the balconies of admirer-thrown beads. In the midst of joy and celebration on Fat Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, he knelt down, felt the world fade away once more, and asked her with all the love he held, “How about forever?”