We hope to share our celebration with all our family and friends, but should you be unable to travel or attend large gatherings we hope you will join us virtually via Zoom for our ceremony. Please RSVP for our Zoom Ceremony event if you are unable to be with us in person Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/4608045773?pwd=eUw4bXdZVVJ4U2VnYWdUNWhoalFqUT09 Meeting ID: 460 804 5773 Password: Sgz0cj

Austin and I were in the same orientation group Freshman year of college. We noticed each other, but both were in different places in our lives. The following fall, mid-way through our Sophomore semester we reconnected. The first night we officially hung out, Austin came to my dorm room and we clicked immediately. We stayed up all night talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. It was obvious that we both felt a connection, and the next night we saw each other again. That same weekend I met his friends, and we were together for the majority of the 72 hours. It was obvious there was something special about our relationship from the beginning. The more time we spent together, the more we began to realize how similar we are. In terms of our personalities, our values, and what we want for our futures, it all lined up. He made me laugh, loved me for my weirdness, and made me feel valued. After a year and a half of dating we began talking more seriously about the future, knowing we wanted to get married. Well, in September 2018 he told me we'd be going out to our FAVORITE place to eat as a special treat, Texas De Brazil. When he came to pick me up he said we'd have to stop by the Birmingham Zoo to fill out paperwork for an internship he'd be starting, and after complaining about my hunger and need for bacon-wrapped sirloins he convinced me I'd survive. So, to the Zoo we went. He walked me to the elephant exhibit, where I filmed a documentary about my favorite animals on the planet. He got down on one knee and I couldn't believe it. I was in shock, and so completely ecstatic. I was so happy, I forgot I needed to say "yes" and snatched the ring up and started sobbing. He had to ask me again before I realized I needed to respond (oops). Then, our families and best friends came running out from hiding. That was the best surprise of all. He's so thoughtful and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.

Marissa and I first met freshman year of college during our orientation. We knew of each other but never really talked until half way through our sophomore year. The first time we hung out it was an instant connection. We stayed up all night talking and watching John Mulaney stand up comedy on Netflix. It was surprising just how much we had in common, but what really made me want to marry her was what we didn’t have in common. I’ve always been very spontaneous and sporadic with my life and Marissa is an obsessive planner. These traits balanced each other, I became more focused and she loosened up a bit. I chose to propose to her at the zoo in front of the elephants because she’s always loved elephants but also because the future we’ve already planned together involves us moving to Africa. I lied and told her that we were going to Texas de Brazil to make sure she was dressed nice. In order to make it seem real I told her not to eat that day to save room for the restaurant. This really backfired because she was incredibly hangry and did not want anything to do with going to the zoo. I told her I had to go sign some paperwork for my internship and it would only be a few minutes. It took a lot of convincing (and her being extremely annoyed) to get her to the zoo but the plan ended up working perfectly. She immediately cheered up when she saw the elephants, and when I popped the question and all was forgiven (I still owe her a date to Texas de Brazil though)