Hallie and I first met virtually during our onboarding training to start our accounting careers at Ernst and Young in Atlanta in September 2021. I quickly noticed her as one of the smartest (and cutest) girls in the class. After a few days, we realized we’d be joining the same audit team together after training. Our first interaction was a ping from Hallie saying “Hey! We’re going to be on the same team, it’s nice to meet you!” We then met in person for the first time a few weeks later on our first day at our client’s office in October. I distinctly remember her walking in the room (in my now favorite work dress that she still wears on occasion) and thinking to myself how beautiful she was.

Over the next couple of months working together, I quickly realized Hallie was different. As we progressed from coworkers to friends, I saw how smart, kind, and funny she was. No matter how busy we got (during what is known in the audit world as the infamous “busy season”), she always brought a smile to my face. After the project finished, we went off to different teams, but always kept in touch.

Fast forward a few weeks to our work Christmas party in December, when I sent a seemingly innocent text to see what Hallie was planning on wearing. I really just wanted an excuse to talk to her and maybe the chance to spend extra time with her by offering a ride to the party. I picked her up to go to the party together, and we were by each other’s side the whole evening. The night ended with a midnight Waffle House run and an undeniable mutual attraction.

Over Christmas break, Hallie reached out and suggested that we hang out before we went back to work. While she knew exactly what she was planning, I was under the impression this was just a quick lunch or networking activity. So on December 30, 2021, we went on what I know now was our first date for lunch and had a wonderful day together playing games, watching football, and cooking dinner together for the first time. We left each other that day as an official couple!

In the years since, we have been inseparable and have enjoyed traveling, cooking together, and spending time with our dog, Daisy. We have also shared our love for sports through the rivalry between UGA and Auburn. Then, about 2.5 years after we started dating, I asked Hallie to marry me!

We can not wait to celebrate the beginning of our next chapter with you all at the wedding! Thank you for being a part of our special day!!