We met all the way back in 2014 when we both joined the Leadership Greenville Class of 41 at the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Our class was so large that we were split into two different groups so Corey and I never really spent a lot of time together except on the main class days. My first real observation of him was during an exercise called "Simulated Society" (SIMSOC) and Corey simulated the role of bouncer for an entire community. Let me tell you, he was VERY protective of that simulated community. Little did I know that he was just being himself!

I remember admiring his strong, protective ways. He was very quiet, calm, gentle, and stoic, which is impressive for a man of his stature. That caught my attention because his presence was still very much felt in the room...yet he was so quiet! I was intrigued!

At the end of our 10 month long very intense and sometimes emotional class, we celebrated our graduation with all our new friends up in Hendersonville, NC. Corey and I got to know more about each other at that party and we hung out around this big stone fireplace and just talked about life and our passions and about our hopes for the community around us. Corey seemed like a gentle giant with his big broad shoulders. I felt so safe and protected with him. Not just physically but emotionally too. I remember walking away from our conversation that evening thinking to myself, "That man is going to make some woman incredibly happy one day. He is so gentle and kind. What an incredible human!"

Oh but what little did I know about what was in store...

Over the next seven years, Corey and I remained friends. We chatted and hung out every now and then over lunch or dinner. We ran into each other at group happy hours and even on some boards we served on because we ran in very similar circles. I always made sure to wish him a happy birthday and even brought him his favorite red velvet cupcake when he turned 40. No matter what I had going on in my life, Corey was never far from my mind or my heart.

The chemistry between Corey and me was undeniable but the timing was never right for us. Quite honestly, I had a lot of healing to do and was not ready to be loved the way I knew Corey would love me. His love was pure. It was unconditional. And it was big. I was scared I would hurt him.

But over those seven years, I often found myself wondering, "Is he really THE one? Is Corey the man that was made for me?" And when I had a really bad day, I would always make myself feel better by imagining a life with Corey. Even during the pandemic, I wished that he had been there to comfort me and tell me everything was going to be ok.

The countdown toward becoming an "us"!

September 10, 2021 - I ran into Corey at the Greenville High vs. J.L. Mann Spirit Week football game. Ashley turned to me afterward and whispered, "Is that THE Corey from the Y that you always talk about?"

--"Shhh. Yes, that's him!"

November 16, 2021 - Corey and I saw each other at a Leadership Greenville group happy hour. Normally, I would sit far away from Corey so that our chemistry was not as obvious to anyone. This time, I sat right down next to him and actually talked with him. Still hiding my thoughts but he and I most definitely had tension.

December 2021 - I had not been able to get Corey out of my mind for the past few months. All I kept asking myself was, "Is he THE one? Are you finally ready to try this? But what if you're wrong? What happens then? You'll lose him forever". But everything in my bones told me that Corey was meant for me and I was meant for him. I decided that if I kept analyzing this feeling to death that one day someone was going to capture Corey's heart and it would no longer be for me. Would I be able to live with that? With not knowing what could have been? I knew right then that I absolutely had to say something. I had to find out if Corey wanted to give us a try.

And wouldn't ya know it...he did. Corey wanted to see where our story would take us too. A week later we took a weekend trip to the beach for my birthday and we really haven't slowed down or stopped traveling since!

August 16, 2023 - I thought we were going to dinner to spend time with my niece before she left for sophomore year of college. Little did I know that Corey (and everybody else) had other plans!

As I walked into the private room of the restaurant, I started to realize that, not only was everybody looking at me, but I actually recognized all of the faces! These people were my family and friends looking right at me. I thought something was wrong at first but then realized everyone was smiling!

Corey led me to the middle of the room and began to talk a bit about our story and how the stars had aligned so that we could finally be together. He professed his love and commitment to me in front of our most precious family and friends. He then pulled out a ring, got on one knee and asked me to marry him!

Of course, it was a resounding YES! A thousand times YES, Corey, I will be your wife!

I knew we were going to be engaged one day but I most certainly did not think it would be that year. Corey pulled off the ultimate surprise, and he did it beautifully.

Corey and I cannot wait to celebrate our special day with those that we love so dearly. You all have played such an important role in our respective lives and throwing a big ol' party seems only fitting. On December 28th, we will be celebrating all things LOVE!!