Let’s start at the very beginning—a very good place to start!

You’ve probably heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Well, our story is a perfect example of just how true that is—because ours started with a moment we’ll never forget.

Back in the summer of 2006, at a swim meet in Greensboro, NC, a confident Katie walked right up to a nervous Brandon and said, “Hi there, I’m Katie! It’s nice to meet you!” With nervous laughter, Brandon blurted out the only thing that came to mind: “I like you! My name is Brandon, and it’s nice to meet you too!”—before giving her a giant hug. And just like that, our story began.

We officially started dating in 2008 while in high school and continued our journey together at East Carolina University, where we proudly cheered on the Pirates! After graduating, we moved back to Greensboro to begin our next chapter.

Brandon (true to form) took his time with the proposal, but one September afternoon—surrounded by close friends and family—he got down on one knee, nervously laughing just like he did years ago, and asked that same confident girl to marry him… FINALLY!

Only this time, it didn’t take Katie 18 years to say… YES!

We can’t wait to celebrate the next chapter of our story with all of you!