How did you two meet?
We met at the rock climbing gym at Auburn University. A couple days after we met, we went on a climbing trip with friends to Sand Rock, AL. During that trip we got to know each other better, and several dates after that, we started dating!
Do either of your remember what you thought the first time y'all saw/met each other?
Olivia: "I thought he was very handsome and polite. After hanging out with him for a while, I quickly had a crush on him, but I was about to graduate from Auburn and move to Knoxville in less than a month, so I didn’t think we would be able to more than friends…but thankfully, God had better plans!"
Mark: "Well, the first time I met her I didn’t even remember... but the first time I spent time with her we climbed with a group of friends, I was very impressed by how well she could climb!"
How and when did Mark propose?
Olivia: "On May 7, 2016, Mark and I took a trip to Foster Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee to go hiking. After hiking for only five minutes, we were crossing a bridge and Mark stopped me and told me he had an important question to ask me. He then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was overwhelmed, excited and surprised, and with no doubt in my mind, said, 'yes!'"
Mark: "From the beginning of our relationship, we were focused on dating for marriage. Our prayer was that the Lord would lead our hearts and guide us to date as if we were preparing for marriage. After almost two years of dating long distance, I felt the Lord was guiding us together and that it was time for me to ask her the question. I chose a spot that we were both familiar with and a spot that was similar to where we first met. The spot was a rock climbing crag in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The weather was perfect, and I thought I could fool her. So we hiked down to the river crossing, and I asked her the question... she said 'YES!'"
Mark-- what's one thing you admire most about Olivia?
Mark: "One thing I admire about Olivia is that she is filled with the love and grace of Christ. Olivia is always one to encourage and point me to Christ. Olivia treats every person with whom she interacts with grace in her actions and her words."
Olivia-- what's one thing you admire most about Mark?
Olivia:" Mark continually gives me perspective in Christ, and I admire that his heart is grounded in Christ and he is continually aiming to seek Christ. Whenever I am overwhelmed and stressed by things of the world, he reminds me with grace of our purpose on this earth and of the promise of eternity with our Heavenly Father."
What was each of fall’s favorite part of the big day?
Olivia: "I loved every minute of that day! Once the ceremony started, the rest of the day became a blur because we were so overwhelmed and humbled by all of our friends and family being present to celebrate that day with us. Right before the ceremony, I had a time of prayer with my bridesmaids, and I will always cherish that quiet time that I got to spend with women I hold so close to my heart!"
Mark: "I really enjoyed spending time with my groomsmen. That morning we all went to a shooting range, and it was really great to spend time with my closest friends."
What’s next for you two?
Olivia: "We will be living in Huntsville, AL. Olivia will be starting her career as a PA with Decatur Orthopedic Clinic and Mark is working with Turner Construction. We can’t wait for the many adventures ahead of us!"
Vendors:
Ceremony: Christ Presbyterian Church
Reception: Hampton Cove Wedding Plantation
Dress and Veil: Anne Barge
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff
Groomsmen Suits: Jos. A. Bank
Flowers: Paper & Petal
Hair and Make Up: Callie Roberts
Caterer and Cakes: Becky Hartley
Antique China: Decorous Dishes
Calligraphy: Olivia S. Walsh
Invitations, Programs, and Menus: Mprint
Band: Radio X
Rings: Genesis Diamonds