Their story didn’t begin with a grand moment — it began with a simple first message between two very busy people. Drew was a college athlete and Madison was a nursing student, and neither of them imagined that such a small beginning would turn into something so meaningful.

Madison didn’t even respond right away. In fact, she waited a few weeks — quietly talking with God about how Drew kept popping up in her mind randomly, but also being a little silly and hoping he would reach out again instead. (Spoiler alert: he did.) That second message turned into their first date at Back Nine, with a spicy margarita, a golf simulator, and two very nervous people whose knees accidentally touched under the table — a tiny moment that somehow felt so important.

That summer, God gave them time and space to grow together. They traveled — from New York to Alabama and everywhere in between — learning how to be together in new places, new rhythms, and new chapters, and discovering how deeply they loved building a life side by side. That fall, Drew chose to stay an extra semester in Oxford — not only to pursue Madison, but also to study for and pass his CPA exams, both of which he did. During that same season, Madison was walking through one of the hardest semesters of nursing school, and Drew faithfully supported her through every long night, early morning, exam, and moment of doubt. Together, they learned what it meant to encourage one another, pray for one another, and trust God’s timing. Then came the day Drew proposed. It was a sunny Saturday morning, and Madison was getting ready for the Ole Miss vs. Citadel football game — excited, dressed for game day, and completely unsuspecting. Because of Drew’s athletic background, they were invited onto the field before the game, something they had done before, so nothing felt unusual at first. However, a few minutes into the football warmup, someone from athletic management tapped Madison on the shoulder and asked if she would help kick the football for a Planet Fitness playoff promotion. She agreed without hesitation. Right after halftime, they were led onto the field, Madison learned how to hold the ball, and then they told her it was “go time.” As she stood on the 15-yard line holding the football, Drew began a slow clap from behind her. Instead of lining up for the kick, he walked toward her, gently took her hand off the ball, dropped to one knee, and asked her to be his wife — right there on the field, in front of thousands, in a moment that felt surreal. The answer was the easiest “yes” of her life. Afterward, their families were waiting nearby to celebrate and pray with them — a beautiful reminder that their love has always been surrounded, supported, and covered in love. Looking back, it’s clear that their story has been guided by God’s perfect timing, gentle leading, and abundant grace. They are endlessly grateful for how He brought them together — and even more grateful that they now get to walk this life, and this marriage, hand in hand with Him at the center.

"But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken". Ecclesiastes 4:11-12