I met my bride to be in the most romantic of places… A CONFERENCE. Fold up tables, key note speakers, and catered sandwiches set the mood for an encounter of love. I was reflecting on the message spoken by the last keynote speaker, when across the room I spotted the most beautiful southern belle. She wore a black flat brimmed hat paired elegantly with a flowing dress. Could it be?? Reba McEntire?? The Holy Spirit whispered in my ear “here’s your one chance Fancy don’t let me down!” I WON'T LET YOU DOWN, I shouted in my head. As the conference progressed, I executed extreme maneuvers to get glimpses of her. After returning from a bathroom break with nice a frosty beverage, I turned to sneak another peak, only to find her waving at me. I frantically waived back, like Alabama local Forrest Gump, only to find she was actually waiving at the person in front of me. “Stupid is as stupid does”. I sat down in misery. After the next speaker, I moped over to the snack bar. As I made my way through the maze of tables, my journey was halted by a beautiful southern accent. It was Reba! She apologized for waving at me and explained how embarrassed she felt. She asked me where I was from, and I told her Dallas with a puffed up chest. “Dallas, Georgia???” she shot back at me. “Ahhhhh no…” I muttered as I gazed into the most beautiful eyes. We continued to meet up and chat throughout the conference and, little did I know, God was beginning to write a story that would last a lifetime. A month later, I would ask her to be my date to the Sigma Chi Wedding formal, where in the backdrop of the first photo we ever took, hung a banner that said "Mr & Mrs." Two years later, I would ask her to be my bride. I love you Erika Ann Garcia. You will forever be my Southern Queen.

February of 2021, I shook hands with Daniela Simmons, betting $50 that my future boyfriend or husband wasn't sitting under that big white tent at the SEEK 2021 Conference. Who knew that moments later, I would set eyes on that freckle face for the first time. During a quick conference break, in between key note speakers, I waved to one of my friends across the tent. Yet, I awkwardly stood there waving, not at my friend, but rather a mixture of Matthew McConaughey, James Franco, and Jim Carrey, all in one. He gave me southern vibes, with a mix of frat boy, and a big time snacker. As I stood there mortified, I quickly ran back to my table, where all of my girl friends were sitting. I simply couldn't keep my mouth shut and told them how embarrassed I was by the mere fact that I was not only waving at the wrong person, but that the man on the other side of that wave was actually attractive with his long curls, loafers, and interesting plaid PFG. After a quick break, I did exactly what my friends told me not to do. I went straight up and apologized for that weird encounter. He shook my hand, told me his name was Mason, asked me what my name was, I told him, and then I embarrassed myself not once, but twice. Mason asked me where I was from. I answered "Kennesaw, Georgia, what about you?" Mason then responded "Dallas." I was quick to respond with much excitement stating, "Dallas, Georgia??". Mason looked astounded by the fact that the Georgia girl clearly didn't know her U.S. geography. Mortified again, I went on to explain that Dallas, Georgia is Kennesaw's neighboring city. Welp...that should have been the end of it. However, it didn't stop Mason from trying to spark up more small talk. After countless conversations, I began to start checking off some boxes. My thought process went something like this: He's at this Christian conference, so he must love the Lord (check). He's two years older than me (not a requirement, but a plus, check). He majored in civil engineering (check, check, check. His chances of getting my daddy's approval just went up by 50%). He loves country music (check). He speaks highly of his family (check). He has two dogs (check), and he goes to Alabama (that's a big fat roll tide check). The boxes kept getting checked off as the days, months, and years went on. About a month after that first encounter, he asked me to be his date to most prominent fraternity formal of the year: the Sigma Chi Wedding. Everything about that night was absolutely perfect, except for that horrible Saints Jacket he pulled up in. As soon as I saw him in that black and gold coat, all I could think about was how I was gonna tell my dad I went on a date with a saint's fan... yikes. 2 years later, all I can say is thank you Jesus that I get to be Thomas Mason Porter's bride. Thank you Jesus for blessing us with amazing family and friends and for being the center of our relationship. Thank you Jesus that my dad approved of the man wearing that Jacket, and thank you Jesus for the best $50 purchase I ever made. You are worth every one of those $50 dollars Porter. I love you forever.

Mason proposed to Erika on March 8th, 2023 in Kennesaw, Georgia. Mason had a beautiful picnic set up in the courtyard of Erika's neighborhood. Mason told Erika that they were going to "get drinks" after he finished work. They got in the car, Mason drove a lap around the neighborhood, and proceeded to park back in Erika's driveway (so much for "drinks"). Mason told Erika he wanted to go on a walk. He lead her into the beautiful courtyard where blankets, pillows, and an umbrella were so elegantly displayed. A Charcuterie board, Rose, chocolate covered strawberries, and country music set the perfect mood for a perfect evening. After lots of sweet conversations, Mason popped the question, and she of course said "YES!”