We're Getting Married!

Although we met for the first time in first grade, we didn't become closer friends until the fourth grade. We were "boyfriend and girlfriend" for about three days in fifth grade, and then we decided to be best friends. Jake asked me to go to Chili's (our first date) during the fall of our sophomore year of high school, where he asked me to be his girlfriend. I said, "Sure!" We've been through so much together over the past six years, and we are so excited to spend forever together!

Jake and I were both at my grandmother's surprise birthday party at my house. Jake told me that after the party we were going to dinner at Hampton's! I got dressed and ready to leave, and it started pouring while we were driving toward Sumter. On the way, Jake told me that we first had to go jump his Nonni's car, which had "died" at their lot in Lee's Preserve. When we got to the lot, there was a gorgeous setup on the little dock over their pond (Papa's pond.) Jake walked me over toward it (through the pouring rain) and said, "Sorry for the weather!" I was already crying by this point. There were precious pictures of us laid out on the dock along with other decorations and some champagne. He told me it was the biggest decision of his life, but it was also the easiest. He got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him, to which I responded "YES" through tears! Then, our sweet photographers (Carla Talley and Frances James) emerged from their hiding spots in the woods along with our sweet videographers (Owen and Wyatt), who were all soaking wet!! We took a few pictures, popped champagne, and then headed back to Jake's house for the best and most fun surprise engagement party ever with all of our friends and family. It was truly the most special day ever!

We will be moving to Spartanburg! Jake accepted a job as a project engineer with Thompson Turner Construction, and I accepted a job as a freshman English teacher at Dorman High. We are so excited for the next chapter of our lives!