Our journey began with a simple swipe right on May 10, 2023. A few weeks of messaging led to our first date on May 28th in Tallahassee, where sparks flew the moment Jordan walked in. After dinner at Casa Grande and drinks at a nearby bar, I began the routine of driving two and a half hours round trip to see her, demonstrating my commitment to her.

I further demonstrated my commitment and care when she had to drive late into the night to North Carolina. Despite my parents being in town and needing to wake up early, I stayed on the phone with her during her entire seven-hour drive, ensuring she made it safely.

For Jordan’s 28th birthday, I planned a special weekend getaway to 30A. We spent our time shopping, relaxing and enjoying the beach, which deepened our connection. Over the following months, our relationship blossomed through countless drives back and forth to Tallahassee and Marianna, and many shared adventures. We attended numerous concerts and events, including shows by Chris Young, Dan + Shay, Eric Church (twice), George Strait, and Tim McGraw. I also took her to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for her first Texas A&M football game, and we visited local spots like Doak Campbell Stadium for my first Florida State football game and Falling Waters State Park.

Jordan got a glimpse into the life of a salesman during a trip to New Orleans with one of my customers to see Garth Brooks, a 10-hour fishing trip in Destin, and a week in Cabo. These experiences further revealed the demanding nature of my job, which often involves back-to-back events.

In September, during a trip to Atlanta to see Eric Church for the second time, we made a short detour to Scaly Mountain, NC, where I met Jordan’s grandparents. Seeing her eyes light up as she showed me her favorite place inspired me to choose Scaly Mountain as the perfect spot to ask her to spend the rest of our lives together.

After purchasing the ring, I planned to propose on April 13th. I conveniently had a customer event in Atlanta the day before, which I used as an excuse to get out of town. Coordinating with her best friend, boss and parents went smoothly, but three days before the trip, I realized I’d forgotten to ask Jordan to take the day off. I never imagined this would be the biggest challenge in my plan. With some convincing, she finally agreed to join me.

After the event, my surprise began to unfold. Jordan thought we were heading to a restaurant, but instead, we were on our way to Highlands, NC. She noticed the longer ETA and suspected something but went along with it. We spent the weekend doing things she loves, like shopping and relaxing with massages. When she thought we were headed to dinner, we made a quick detour to her grandparents' house. I told her I had promised her parents we would go “check on the house.”

While Jordan was in the basement checking on the house, I set up a tripod on the back porch to capture the moment. She was taking longer than expected, it turned out there was a faucet that wouldn’t stop dripping. As she came upstairs, I asked her to come out on the back porch. I explained that I chose this spot because it was meaningful to her and would be a place we could eventually bring our children to share the story of our engagement. I then dropped to one knee, and with a smile, Jordan said “yes” to our forever.

Travel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Thomasville, an IHG Hotel