How She Tells It: My best friend made me get a dating app on my phone. We had done this promise to put it on your phone before, and I hated it. But, nevertheless, I downloaded the one she suggested. I told her I was only keeping it on my phone for a month before I got rid of it, and maintained very low expectations. Dave was the only person who didn't message me like an online dating weirdo! We matched, and he sent me a simple "Hey, How are you doing?" and wouldn't you know, that's all it took for us to have a beautiful and simple conversation. After talking for a few days, and trying to set a date, I asked if he wanted to meet up before our Saturday date, on Friday, after I had a planning session with my coworkers. It's lucky that we met in a pandemic because it was a Friday at the start of both the school year and football season. We normally would have been working and both be very busy, instead, we got to meet for lunch, take a long walk on the river, and talk. I picked a place that I knew I could get a good vegetarian meal, and we spent the whole day talking like old friends, about Star Wars, Harry Potter, and dream houses on the river. The next day we met again, and walked the antique store, walked the other side of the river, and ended the night watching Harry Potter. When Sunday rolled around, we were excited to see each other again, and this time we had breakfast and watched Downton Abbey. And that was that-- we've been together ever since. Oh-- and I deleted the app that night!

She fell for me instantly. We had our first meeting delayed because, as she is the most helpful and generous person I know, she was telling an old couple how to get somewhere. All I could do was stand and watch as this magnificent woman postponed our first date to tell an older couple how to get somewhere. I could barely get a word in edgewise as we sat there in the restaurant, so I asked if we could prolong the date and walk the river front. We did and found a nice place to criticize homes together, and discuss what we wanted and needed in our personal lives. She inched closer, constantly nervous I would not make a move on the first date. We sat for hours and enjoyed each other. We saw alligators in the river, and we saw people wanting to see aligators. We told them where to look. When we were done we knew there would be a date the following night. The next day we went together to the antique shop. I loved spending time with her and so did she. I knew she wanted me to kiss her-- so before I did I asked. Lame I know but she understood and we did. I invited her over to watch a movie and we drove to my house because we could not stand to end this romance. I love her and she loves me we knew instantly that this was true. I cant envision my life without her.

It was a rainy day in February. I had been wearing my rainboots everyday for a week. It was the Monday after Valentine’s Day, and we were both off from work for holiday. I had a zoom meeting with my professor that day to discuss one of my projects, the timing of the meeting was weird because of the time difference. When I woke that morning, I found a Harry Potter figure on ny nightstand with a handwritten note that Dave had left me either early that morning, or the night before. We were both in the middle of our school semesters, and our class work times were on different schedules. He had stayed up late the night before, and gotten up before me to work. Or so I thought. The note was an invitation to a weeklong of activities, hunts, and puzzles, that I would need to solve and answer. All of the clues were Harry Potter themed, and I was extremely excited! Nevertheless, I was HERE for IT! While I was on the call with my professor, Dave spent his time quietly walking around the livingroom making it look prisitine. When I got off, we started our adventure that lead us through all the important places in our relationship, our first date, our first kiss, the football stadium, and his home. Every clue was filled with Harry Potter references to get me to the next clue, and every clue came with Harry Potter characters who matched the clue. When we finally got home, he had his computer up, and a video that he made, that he pulled scripture and photos of our relationship together. Then he got down on one knee in his living room, and asked me to be his wife, and spend the rest of my life with him by my side, and of course, I said YES! 🥰😍❤️ And here we are today!

Alex and I realized early on that we were right for each other. I knew after the first weekend we spent almost every minute together. We would wake up and figure out something to do, just so we could be together and get to know each other more. Our values matched tremendously on what we want out of our lives. We dated for a couple months before I got to meet Ryker. I was extremely happy to meet this little man, that will become my step son eventually. I knew how important he was in our relationship. He is an amazing little guy, he brightens our day, and it is amazing to see him grow. I believe that we hit it off instantly, I think I may have had a little help from Dani my puppy. I believe Alex met my parents on our second weekend of being together. We planned a trip to Asheville to the Biltmore house and stopped by my parents. My little sister was excited to meet Alex, because this was the first time she had ever met someone I dated. My parents would tell you they never really met anyone I was involved with because this is a big step. I knew even though it was early in our relationship that Alex was someone they had to meet. I met Alex’s parents a couple weeks later. We went out to dinner because they happened to be in town. I believe that I made a good first impression, because they allowed me to come and visit during thanksgiving that year. I came up to their house in West Virginia on a last minute ordeal, that had my parents getting COVID and putting me by myself for the holiday. I drove to their house and arrived late. They were there to welcome me into their home, but quickly went to sleep it being around 1 in the morning. This is the first time that I told her parents that I loved their daughter.

As I mentioned I knew early on that I loved Alex and was planning on asking her parents if they would be okay with me proposing to her. It was a little more difficult than I had thought because she has three brothers and they were all there during the Christmas holidays. It was a great time spending it with this amazing family. I had to get her parents alone though. So I waited until the morning time, which I believe caught them a little off guard. This was the only time that I had both of them together without any other distraction. They were happy, but had questions, most of them had to deal with the dynamic with Ryker. I discussed my plan with them and later moved to the siblings. I had originally planned to have Alex throw me a surprise birthday party so that I could propose with all of our families and friends around and they could get to know each other as well as surprising her when she thought she would be surprising me. This did not work out with the restrictions to travel and gatherings with COVID. I had to change my plans and created a scavenger hunt for us to complete. The hunt would include a lot of special places between the two of us. It also included one of our favorite books and movie titles Harry Potter. For each location Alex would get a clue and a Harry Potter figurine to go to the next spot. We ended at our house and there was a video that I had made with shots of us together. It was an intimate proposal between the two of us. I love Alexandra and can not wait until she is my wife.

When Dave and I met, we were both freshmen at Gardner-Webb. I remember seeing everyone on our hall partying, and I thought I was the only one actually doing school work. I remember walking across the hall, and I saw Big Dave typing away at his computer with a textbook open. "I thought I was the only one doing work in college." Dave looked up, smiled and shook his head. "What are you studying?" "German," Dave replied. At that moment, I was pretty sure Dave and I might be the only two people from our hall back in school the following semester, and that thought wasn't far from the truth. Dave and I became great friends. Dave is a guy who makes every situation enjoyable. If we were studying, playing cards, watching movies, playing sports or just hanging out, Dave always made every situation more enjoyable. He is an extremely intelligent, hardworking and kind individual, and he has a great sense of humor and wit. Big Dave is a person who gives anything and everything he has to his friends and the people he loves, and while he has hundreds of admirable qualities, his biggest is his heart and the amount of love and care he shows to those in his circle. Since the day we met, my life has been better because Big Dave has been in it. The same would be said by anyone who's ever had the privilege to call him a friend.

I met Alex when I began teaching at RPM. I was nervous to start a new school after I left all my teacher friends behind. RPM is so small, I was certain I would end up a bit of a loner, but I quickly found my new niche. It didn't take long four us to realize we both love Harry Potter and talking global politics. Everyone needs someone that understands their struggles and is willing to talk through things. And whether it be venting about a problem student or analyzing cultural misunderstandings, Alex is that person for me.

Dave and Michael met in the 9th grade where they were in a Personal Finance class together. Eager to get out of class a few minutes early, Michael offered to help carry Dave's books as he was on crutches recovering from his first knee surgery. Their friendship deepened at the end of 10th grade when Michael started playing football and they were in the same position group for two years. They would go separate ways for college before reuniting back at Irmo nine years later. They teamed up to coach a state champion in Track and Field at Irmo High School and then moved to Chesterfield with Coach Arnoult. In Chesterfield, they lived and worked together for six years.

The moment I met Dave I knew I wanted to be his friend. The way that he carried himself on his first day at Outback, I knew instantly that he was a good guy. I intentionally went out of my way to introduced myself to him and at that very moment we became best friends. Dave is a genuine, outgoing, and laid back person that brings a light to the room that gravitates everyone to him. Dave and I became inseparable friends that did everything together and eventually became roommates, which strengthened our friendship even more. Dave is that guy that would drop anything to be there for you or give the shirt off his back. We experienced many great memories through the years living together in Charleston: great house parties, barbecues, golfing, frisbee golf, bar hopping, and vacations. One of my fondest memories was our trip to Destin, FL where we caught a 8 foot Bull Shark camping at the Henderson Beach National Park. From the fun road trip there and back, to sleeping under the stars while fishing, and then capping it off by staying in Savannah, this trip created a memory of a life time. Dave has always been there for me and I am glad to call him my best friend. Thank you for the opportunity to be your Best Man; I am honored to stand beside you when you take your vows and celebrate the love between you and Alex.

I met Alex on my first day at a new school in 6th grade. She told me we were friends in our Social Studies class, and I never once thought she wasn't serious about it. Little did I know this fact would never change and I had just acquired a fiery, free-spirited, songstress as a best friend for life. I have had the absolute pleasure of knowing Alex for most of my life, and as we are both Military Brats, this is a treasured relationship unlike any other. Time, distance, pandemics - nothing will ever get in the way of us being there for one another. I love my Ali Al - she saved me in 6th grade, and every day since, the sun has shone a little brighter in my life, thanks to her bright and shiny disposition. I am beyond honored to be at her side as her dreams come true. And in true Ali fashion, she is getting hitched in a stunning gown only a starry-eyed dreamer like herself could imagine. I mean, of course my Ali Al designed her own wedding dress! I'm so proud of you, Alexandra Kay!

Jackie is delighted to dance, sing and shout with Alex about her beautiful love. We became best friends, and roommates in college. Our college roommate credentials include Taylor Swift drives, Renaissance costuming, two-stepping on weeknights, and all of the Holiday delights. I love you!

Dave and I met at Outback Steakhouse in Charleston SC, and we hit it off right away. I was very young and trying to figure out my place in a city that was unfamiliar and Dave played a huge role in helping me find my way. As our friendship grew we both knew that undoubtedly we could depend on each other. It’s hard to put in words the love that Dave gives his friends and the extent that he would go to for each and every one of us! I have been extremely blessed that through the years and many moves that Dave and I have always managed to be within thirty minutes of one another. As we both have moved to new places it’s always been comforting to have one of my best friends right down the road. Dave, I am grateful for you and excited to watch as the love you and Alex share continues to grow. I am honored for the opportunity to stand up there with you on one of the most important days of your life!

It was a warm summer day in Charleston (as all summer days are in Charleston), when I strolled into Outback for my first day of work. It’s never easy being in a new city, at a new job and not knowing anyone. The day came and went and by the end of my shift there was chatter about going to King Street Grille for a couple adult beverages. I decided to go along with the group, stay for a drink or two and get to know some of my coworkers. Over the course of the next five years Dave and I would share countless memories - Castlewood, Bushido’s, Twist (then Back Home), Shadowmoss, Folly Beach, Dance Dance Revolution, Getting Frisbees off the Roof (Won’t do that again), Windjammer and many many more. When I found out Dave had found his dream job teaching/coaching and he would be leaving Charleston, I felt like a part of me was leaving. I was really happy for him, but I knew that I couldn’t call up Dave and go play a round of golf, or go over to his apartment and talk about life and our goals for the future; it was a hard adjustment not having Dave around anymore. Fast forward another five years and we end up here. I was able to come to Augusta over the summer and have the chance to spend time with Alex and Dave. A lot has changed over the last ten years, but what hasn’t is Dave’s charismatic, caring and loving personality. I am ecstatic that Dave has found someone as kind and caring as he is, and I’m excited for the memories we will share in the years to come!