Our Story

Corley and I met at a coffee shop in Clinton, Mississippi, while we were both studying at Mississippi College. The first time I noticed her was when she smiled at me (she had just come out of the restroom- but she hates when I lead with that) About ten minutes later, she passed by me again, looked at me, and smiled. I loved her smile and I immediately felt nervous and started thinking if I should go talk to her.

I sat there for another two or three minutes trying to find the courage, but then I realized she had already left the coffee shop! I was afraid that I had waited too long, but I decided I had to try anyway. So I ran outside and searched for her in the parking lot. I found her cleaning out her car, walked up to her, introduced myself, and asked for her phone number. Thankfully, she gave it to me, and this was the beginning of our story.

For our first date, I invited Corley over to my house and made us a flatbread from scratch. I even made the dough. (Which Corley found very attractive) we topped it with with bacon, onions, and fresh green onions. I like to say this was the evening where I won her heart over.

We ate together and had really good conversations about life, our goals, and the things that were important to us. It was a simple evening, but it was a very special beginning for both of us.

Since that first date, we have experienced so much together. We both graduated from Mississippi College, and along the way, we went through many different hurdles and challenges. Some seasons were not always easy, but those moments helped us realize how much we truly loved each other and that we were meant to be together. Our journey has included lots of dates, trips, birdwatching, and time spent outdoors. Corley introduced Oliver more to nature and birds, and now birdwatching has became something special we enjoy doing together.

One extra special moment was when Oliver got baptized. Corley supported him and walked alongside him during that important part of his faith journey. We also celebrated Thanksgiving with Corley’s family, where Oliver had the important job of helping her Pawpaw fry the turkey. It was exciting for him to be part of this American family tradition, and thankfully the turkey turned out delicious!

One of the biggest highlights of our relationship was traveling to Germany together. Corley got to visit Oliver’s hometown and meet his family and friends. She even got to practice her German a bit! (Everyone please feel free to help her practice at the wedding!) This was a very important step for us, and it meant so much to Oliver to share his home, culture, and the people he loves with her.

One of the biggest challenges in our relationship has been long distance. After Oliver started his job in Indiana, we spent a lot of time driving and flying back and forth to see each other. Long distance is not always easy, but it has taught us how to communicate better, be intentional with our time, and love each other even when we are far apart. Through every trip, challenge, conversation, and memory, we have continued choosing each other. Now we are so excited to begin the next chapter of our story as husband and wife!

I decided to propose to Corley in Peru on a trip with family and friends—most of her loved ones were there. With Madison’s help, and with Brinley’s and her mom Ms. Lisa’s blessing, I planned to propose during the hike. On the first day, I asked her at Humantay Lake—the same place as the photo on our homepage. It was a beautiful and joyful moment.

Tuscany has been Corley’s dream wedding destination for a long time—and since then, it has become Oliver’s dream too. Choosing Italy also means both sides of our family can reach us more easily: Corley’s family traveling from the United States, and Oliver’s family from Germany. It feels like the perfect place to bring everyone together as we begin this next chapter.