Our story began four years ago at Clemson University. Olivia and Jeb (or as Olivia calls him James) were both first-year students adjusting to college life, making new friends, and finding their place in a new world. Little did they know that one October night would change everything.

They met through a mutual friend, Rachel Goldin. Jeb had known Rachel since high school, and Olivia had met her the summer before college started in 2021. Olivia, a member of Delta Gamma, was excited to attend a Halloween mixer and had spent an entire week crafting her costume as the “Black Swan.” Unfortunately, just before the event, she found out that the mixer had been canceled. Disappointed, she called Rachel to share the bad news. As fate would have it, Rachel’s sorority was hosting its own Halloween mixer and Rachel invited Olivia to join and let her know she would be bringing another friend of hers along.

That evening, as Olivia and Rachel walked to meet Jeb at the Douthit dorms, Olivia spotted him dressed as “Goose” from Top Gun. She asked if she was right, and Jeb’s face lit up with surprise that someone actually recognized his costume. It was a small moment, but one that sparked something neither of them could have predicted.

The three of them headed to the mixer downtown, where Jeb and Olivia spent most of the night talking and laughing. When it was time to head back, Jeb, being the gentleman he is, noticed Olivia shivering in the fall breeze and offered her his jacket. He walked her and Rachel back to their dorm — even though it was on the other side of campus.

After that night, Rachel told Olivia that Jeb had asked for her number. Olivia, focused on her studies, didn’t think much of it at first. But Jeb wasn’t ready to give up so easily. After three attempts to ask her out, Olivia finally agreed to go to lunch with him and the rest, as they say, is history.

From that moment on, they were inseparable. Through every semester, every late-night study session, and every challenge that came with long distance and life transitions, their love only grew stronger. They helped each other grow, as individuals and as a couple, and built a foundation of trust, laughter, and support.

During their senior year, Jeb gave Olivia a small opal promise ring, her birthstone, on her 23rd birthday. It was his way of promising that he would always do everything he could to love, protect, and support her. By the end of the spring semester, on May 7th, 2025, that promise came full circle. With the help of Olivia’s family, Jeb surprised her with a proposal at the Clemson Botanical Gardens, their favorite place on campus. Surrounded by beautiful greenery and memories of where their love began, Olivia said “yes.”

Today, they live in Richmond, Virginia, with their black lab, Remi, who brings even more love and joy into their home. Their story is still being written every day, but they can’t wait to begin this next chapter as husband and wife.

They’re so excited to celebrate their love and share their journey with all of you who have been part of their story.