Jessica

Chapinite. Gamecock Grad (’08). Currently uses Sport Management degree by working in tennis administration for the state of South Carolina. Jess to most.

Nathan

Grew up in Elkin, NC. UNC Grad (’09). Working on the toughest golf course in the country every day, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. Goes by Nate.

How They Met

In March 2010, they met at Pawley’s Front Porch in Columbia, SC when Nate was an intern with the Verizon (now RBC) Heritage golf tournament in Hilton Head Island, SC when he was in town with his boss (Chris Tobia) for a ticket promotion for the tournament. After a quick dinner at Pawleys’, they ventured to the Wild Wing Cafe in the Vista to execute the promotion, and Jess & Nate hit it off, talking about sports, jobs, and life goals. Nate got her number from a friend who was there after Jess left for the evening, and the rest is history!

The Engagement

Nate & Jess visited the Pisgah National Forest for a hike and to explore the beautiful Linville Falls. After packing a picnic lunch in the backpack and making sure all supplies were in tow, the hike began. About 10 minutes in, Jess saw some rapids along the river and wanted to take some pictures. She walked down the embankment, Nate saw the perfect opportunity. He hustled quietly to get the ring box out of the backpack, then called Jess over, and when she turned around, he was down on one knee and said “Jess, will you marry me? I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Of course, she said yes (and started crying), gave him a huge kiss and a hug, and their hands were shaking so badly it was hard to get that beautiful ring on her finger!! Just afterwards, there was a family that walked down to the same area and was kind enough to take some photos of the newly engaged couple.

They finished the hike, took several more pictures and had a wonderful rest of the day notifying friends and family of the exciting news.