Our Story

Zoë and I met during undergrad at Furman, but our story is more than a simple college meet-cute. Yes, we shared a class—that's technically how we met. But that's not when I truly began to know her.

From the very start, Zoë was the one who went out of her way to get to know me. I still remember the day she casually asked me where my apartment was as we walked back to the same building. Instinctively, I worried that maybe she lived below me and was gearing up to complain about the noise. So I just blurted out, “Up top.” Looking back, I'm amazed that my awkward response didn't shut down what came next.

But Zoë didn't seem to mind. She offered to drive me to class every morning after I put a quarter-sized hole in my engine block. Those rides gave me a real glimpse into her world—the mad dash out the door, the way she balanced being late with total calm, and the singing along to whatever song got her through the day, unapologetically herself. I'd mumble along too, because it was too good not to join in.

One day she asked if I wanted to go to a basketball game. Her friends sat in the row below us. Then, as a player lined up for a free throw, Zoë reached over and grabbed my hand so we could wiggle our fingers and send “good vibes” toward the shooter. My heart sped up as I realized maybe—just maybe—Zoë liked me as more than a friend.

Eventually I worked up the courage to ask for a mini guitar lesson at her apartment. We sat in a dimly lit room, clumsy fingers plucking strings, singing far from perfect. And in that awkwardly sweet moment, we shared our first kiss.

After that we fell for one another. We fell fast, and we fell hard. And we haven't stopped since.

On December 19th, 2024, I asked the love of my life to marry me.

Looking back, the question felt so simple—because there was never any doubt. And yet my heart was in my throat: excitement, nerves, and the certainty that she is my whole world.

The whole night was full of anticipation—from the limo ride to laughing and dancing with our friends. When she stepped away briefly, I sprang into action, enlisted staff to record, and tried to make the moment perfect.

And then we were in the Garden Room. As I knelt and looked into her eyes, every word came straight from the heart. My pulse was racing—but I'd never been more certain of anything in my life.