Amanda & Charlie

Although there are so many details that went into meeting each other (beyond what even we can comprehend), it suffices to say that that we met on March 28, 2013, and our lives have drastically changed since that amazing first day. We met through a very dear Ole Miss Baseball mutual friend on the front doorsteps of my parents' house. I joke that God delivered Charlie right to my doorstep (quite literally).

 

What ensued after that day was what some would call the chaos of a long distance relationship. There were hundreds of hours of skype conversations, phone calls and texts back and forth, and several flights on long weekends to visit one another. Although some call this "chaos," the distance worked to our unique advantage. Because we couldn't go out on "real" dates, we had to talk to one another if we wanted to spend time together.

 

This talking led to a deeper admiration, respect, and love for one another. We learned so much about each other just from simply being forced to talk... an act that is all too often lost in this not-so-great era of modern communication. If I could only choose one person to have a conversation with, it would be him. 

 

After six months of literal "talking," we were both certain that we wanted to spend our lives together. After the most draining day in my law school career thus far, Charlie encouraged me to go on a bike ride with him to Paynes Prairie. (For those of you who have ever been to law school or studied property law, we were covering present estates, future interests, and the Rule Against Perpetuities... draining is the nicest word I can think of to describe that day.) Unbeknownst to me, Charlie was planning to propose once we got to our special spot - a beautiful overlook of the entire prairie only accessible by bike/hiking paths.

 

He had already stopped by my parents' law firm to tell them that he purchased the ring and to ask them for their permission to marry me. Of course, they said yes. Ever the gentleman, Charlie didn't show them (or anyone) the ring, because he wanted me to be the first one to see (and admire) it. While still at the office, Charlie made dinner reservations with my parents for after the proposal at one of the most charming little restaurants in Gainesville - Bistro 1245.

 

When we got to our spot, I noticed that Charlie was somewhat at a loss of words, which never happens (see the multiple paragraphs above concerning our conversation skills). He was also pacing back and forth. I didn't think much of it at the time, because I was busy admiring the gorgeous scenery that I had just biked miles to see!

 

With my back turned to him, I felt him put his arms around me and squeeze me. He then asked "Do you want me to make your day a little better?" As I turned to face him, he got down on one knee, and simply said "Will you marry me?" No cameras, no big show, no one else there... just the two of us and one simple question.

 

It was quite simply the perfect night, and the best day of my life thus far. I said "yes" to Charlie's simple question on October 2, 2013 and I cannot wait to say "I do" before him, before God, and before all of you on July 5th, 2014.​