Brad and Shan’s love story began with a simple trip home. Brad had been traveling back and forth to Albany to check on his parents, and during one visit home for Thanksgiving, he met up with his cousins for dinner. Brad discovered that the American Legion was still open and decided to stop by. Although his cousins changed their minds at the last minute, Brad went in anyway — unaware that this small decision would lead him to the love of his life. That same evening, Shan had gone out with her girlfriend to listen to live music. By fate, they both ended up upstairs at the Legion at the same time. Brad noticed Shan from across the room, but he was quickly caught up in conversations with friends he hadn’t seen in years. Later in the evening, he found himself standing in front of Shan while she watched the band. To this day, they laugh about what happened next. Shan says she tapped Brad on the leg to politely ask him to move so she could see. Brad jokingly insists she grabbed his butt to get his attention. Either way, he turned around, and from that moment, their story began. They struck up a conversation, quickly felt a connection, and before long, exchanged phone numbers. When a song came on, Brad walked over and reached for Shan’s hand, asking her to dance. She hesitated at first but eventually joined him on the dance floor. From that moment on, they danced the night away. Their connection was effortless, and many assumed they were already a couple. The very next day, they talked on the phone for hours and planned their first date. Although Brad was originally scheduled to leave Albany on Tuesday, he adjusted his plans so they could spend more time together. They went out Wednesday evening, and what started as dinner turned into hours of laughter, conversation, and getting to know each other. Neither of them wanted the night to end. Brad returned to Charlotte, North Carolina the next morning, but distance didn’t slow them down. They stayed in constant contact, and Brad soon returned to Albany during Christmas to support Shan at a karaoke event. They spent the holidays together, creating meaningful memories. Shortly after, Shan surprised Brad with gifts and a birthday cake to celebrate him. It was during this time that they both realized God had brought them together. Neither of them had been looking for a relationship, but they both knew they had found something special. From that point on, they took every opportunity to spend time together. Whether traveling or staying close to home, where you saw one, you saw the other. They built their relationship on love, faith, and friendship — attending church together and growing spiritually both individually and as a couple. One night, while spending time alone with God, Brad felt it placed on his heart that Shan was his rib — the one God had created just for him. Through their shared values, conversations, and growing love, he knew she was the one. On a chilly night in December, while out of town, Brad decided the time was right. He asked Shan for her hand in marriage, and without hesitation, she said yes. From a chance meeting at the American Legion to a love built on faith, friendship, and purpose — their journey is a beautiful reminder that when God writes your love story, every moment leads you exactly where you're meant to be. And now, they can’t wait to celebrate the next chapter of their story… together.