Table of Contents

Chapter 1 -- how we met

A little over four years ago I took a job working as an administrator for a Cardiology practice in Athens, GA. At the same time, Jon was finishing his Masters degree in Computer Science at UGA and developing an electronic medical records system for the

same cardiology practice. During one of my first days in the office, I saw Jon having lunch in the break room. As corny as this sounds, I really felt like I knew in that instant that Jon was my match. A few days later, my computer started acting up. I honestly knew how to fix the problem, but really wanted to have a chance to talk with him. So off I went to get some IT help from the resident expert. Jon just thought I was bad at computers. Little did he know, I actually knew some coding and could "bold and unbold" things. After that it was only a matter of time before we were totally crazy about each other.

Chapter 2 -- the proposal

Both of us really enjoy hiking, camping, and especially waterfalls. We try to make at least one weekend trip a year to Highlands, NC. It has several beautiful waterfalls with fairly easy access. But, one of our absolute favorites is Cullasaja Falls. And this one is not easy access. We park on the side of winding mountain road, jump over the guardrails, and climb several hundred feet down a very steep slope to reach its base. All of that effort is completely worth it. There are no houses, no people, just simply the base of a gigantic fall in a beautiful mountain setting. So after Kelli’s graduation from nursing school, we planned a trip to Highlands, and on Saturday morning, we made the trek to the base of Cullasaja Falls.

For those of you who don’t know- Jon and Kelli are both big readers. Kelli prefers the paper kind, while Jon prefers audio. So for years now we have read together… Kelli

reading the paper versions out loud while Jon listens. We have read dozens of books this way, and it is something we both really enjoy. So on this special day, Jon had tossed our current book into the pack and carried it to the base. After enjoying the view for a while, he suggested that we read. So out comes our book. (And for those who are curious, we were reading Cadillac Beach by Tim Dorsey. A fantastic comedic serial novel about the worlds

coolest anti-hero, Serge A. Storms.) Kelli immediately opened it to the current chapter, and started reading. After covering more than a chapter and a half, Kelli’s finger slipped and the pages flipped to earlier in the book. Kelli’s jaw dropped as she saw a huge hole in the middle of the book with a gorgeous ring on a red ribbon inside our book. Kelli had been holding it in her hand for half an hour and had no idea. Then she looked over to Jon, shocked and confused, and he simply said Will You Marry Me? It was a perfect moment. And Kelli still can’t believe Jon got her that good!

As Kelli began reading, Jon wondered if she was just messing with him. The book had been sitting next to her for most of the weekend, and there was only one small piece of paper between the ring and the page they were reading. It was a long chapter and a half before Kelli finally saw the ring.

ring

The week prior to our trip, Jon had to work late every night. A big deadline was looming, so I didn’t even question why he was gone so much. As it turns out, he was ring shopping, getting it sized, and even talking with my parents. Apparently, I am one naïve girl, cause I sure had no idea all of this was happening!

Chapter 3 -- The Event

We are so excited to be able to celebrate the beginning of our life together with all of our family and friends. Immediately after the engagement and calling each of our families, we both began talking about what type of wedding we would love to have. After looking at a calendar, we were both drawn to 09/10/11. Not only is this a great date (and easy to

remember) it also happens to be Kelli’s parents anniversary. So from that point on, everything just fell into place without very much effort. We are so pleased to invite each of you to The Carl House in Auburn, GA. For those of you who have not seen this venue before, it is a beautiful old southern home with gardens, a gazebo, and a beautiful grand ballroom. We encourage each of you to visit the website and see the photographs for yourself.

As for the actual wedding, we hope that it will reflect both of our personalities. So come dressed for a casual lawn party. Flip flops are welcome! There will be plenty of food, music and lots of fun.

location

If you are coming from the Mall of Georgia (exit 115 on I-85 North) take Highway 20 (Buford Drive) towards Buford for about 1.5 miles and turn right onto Highway 324, Gravel Springs Road. Follow Gravel Springs Road until it ends (about 9.5 miles), turn left onto Highway 29 / Atlanta Highway / Winder Highway / Business 8, continue for 2.2 miles and you will see Carl House on your right, at 1176 Atlanta Highway.

Take Highway 316 West out of Athens to the Carl Bethlehem Road exit on your right (just past Highway 81), turn right onto Carl Bethlehem Road and go approximately 4.5 miles to the third stop sign. You will see a BP gas station on your right. Turn right and go for about 50 feet to a traffic light where you will face Winder Highway / Business 29 / Highway 8. Turn left, go .3 miles and Carl House will be on your left, at 1176 Atlanta Highway.

event details

Chapter 4 -- gift registry

We feel so blessed to have found each other, and to begin our lives together. We truly feel like we have everything we could have ever wanted.

So instead of the traditional gift registries, we wanted to invite family and friends to make donations to two charities that are close to our hearts. These organizations are working to improve the quality of life around the world in two completely different ways. We have been blessed in so many ways in our lives, so instead of purchasing a gift for us, we want to encourage each of you to make a donation to one of these amazing organizations!

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association

The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association is dedicated to the eradication of autoimmune diseases and the alleviation of suffering and the socioeconomic impact of autoimmunity through fostering and facilitating collaboration in the areas of education, public awareness, research, and patient services in an effective, ethical and efficient manner.

Heifer International

Heifer International is a global nonprofit with a proven solution to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way. Established in 1944, Heifer International helps empower people who are hungry and in poverty through gifts of livestock, seeds and trees and extensive training. Heifer International has helped more than 13.6 million families--71 million men, women and children-- in more than 125 countries move from poverty to prosperity.

Chapter 4 -- You!!!

We want to thank each of you for being such a special part of our lives. Our family and friends have been so supportive and caring throughout our relationship. We look forward to seeing each of you at The Carl House on 09/10/11 to celebrate the joining of the Drake and Lathem families.

rsvp

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the end

.... and they lived happily ever after