John and Alix Ann first met in the fall of 2016. They happened to take the same English elective, and were assigned to be members of a group project. The following semester, they shared two classes and sat with each other everyday. John’s attendance became perfect that semester! She claims they fell in love in Shakespeare.

MAY 7, 2020 John had been planning to pop the question for months, and found a way to surprise Alix Ann. He asked her friends in Fayetteville if they could help get her dressed up and out of the house for a few hours so he could set up lights, rose petals, and seating for a serenade. She let him know she was about to head back, and John finished his final touches. When she unlocked the door, she looked around and froze in shock! John picked up their dog and said, “Sawyer, Daddy has to talk to Mommy.” It wasn’t long before she began dropping tears!