Did you listen to Episode 96 of The Darlington Podcast: Love by the Lakeside: Darlington Alumni Love Stories? In the episode, Chief Advancement Officer Julie Lucas ('97) chats with Karley ('16) and Seth ('16) Parker in celebration of Valentine's Day. The Parkers share their own love story that began in Mr. Hudson's freshman chemistry class, and then they read submissions from other Darlington alumni who are also married to Darlington alumni. It's a sweet celebration of love by the Lakeside!
Check out some of our alumni love story submissions below and be sure to read parts 1 and 2 of this blog series!
Lauren (Payne '94) and Mark ('89) Brewster
Married Date: June, 27, 1998 at the Morris Chapel
Darlington Story: "We were only at Darlington together one year, I was in seventh grade and Mark was a senior. We did not know each other then, haha! Mark had graduated from UGA in 1993 and was back in Rome working when he first caught my eye at a local Bulldog Club meeting. I thought he was so cute, but he didn't notice me. We finally met after Mark's older brother, Steve ('87), returned home from chaperoning my senior cruise and told Mark, 'Jason Payne's ('92) little sister has a crush on you.' After a few weeks of running into each other a couple of times, Mark called my home phone and in front of my mom and Jason, I accepted a date to dinner and the movies ('4 Weddings and a Funeral'). Jason's response was the best...he looked at Mom and said, 'You're not going to let her go, are you???' Needless to say, we had our first date and the rest is history.
We dated for four years, mostly long distance, until we finally married in the sweetest chapel we knew. We had both spent countless Mondays, Wednesdays, special events, holiday celebrations, Baccalaureate services, award ceremonies, and various meetings in Morris Chapel. It was also where Mark stood at the podium in 1989 and delivered a hilarious, written apology to the entire student body after being part of one of the most disruptive senior pranks in Darlington's history. (They removed every single book from the library overnight.) When we were planning our wedding, there was no question where the ceremony would be held. We had history there and it is still one of our most cherished spots.
We will celebrate our 25th anniversary this summer! When we look at our paths to one another, it is obvious that God used Darlington, family, and friends to connect us. Darlington has remained an important part of our lives throughout the years, even our three children are 'Dar Babies!' Ellison graduated in 2018, Griffin graduated in 2020, and Caroline is graduating in a few short months, May 13, 2023. We are so proud of them all."
Advice: "1) Before you decide to get married, be sure your core values align. That is important. 2) Marriage is the hardest thing you 'll ever do. That isn't romantic, but it's true. Merging two individuals for life and expecting them to be happy every second of every day is next to impossible. So, hang on tight and do not let go. 3) Support each other. You may have different hobbies and interests, but be supportive of what the other cherishes. If it is important to them, it matters to you too. 4) Have fun together and keep laughing. 5) When things are good, thank God. When things seem impossible, ask God to show you the way. 6) Talk to each other. Tell each other when you're proud of them and kindly say something when you've been hurt. 7) Listen. Listen to God. Listen to your spouse. While you're at it, listen to your children too, they're pretty smart!"
Lee (Taylor '07) and Scott Morris ('95, LD '14)
Married Date: Oct. 26, 2019
Where did they met: "We met in 2012 on Yelp, where Lee was working as an intern for the event coordinator. She noticed he was from Rome, Georgia, and reached out to him to say she was, too!"
When did they start dating: They started dating in 2017 and both lived in Atlanta at the time. They found out they had a lot in common; they were both K-12 Darlington graduates and members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church.
Darlington Story: Knowing that Scott is a class agent, Lee asked Vicki Vincent if she should go out with him or not—she said yes! Always take Vicki’s advice.
Advice: "Go with your gut and take a chance. 'If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.'"
Rachel (Hudson '15) and Brad ('13) Butler
Married Date: July 25, 2020 and again June 19, 2021 (thank you COVID!)
Darlington Story: "Between summer cheerleading and football practices, I think Brad and I met briefly before school started in 2011. We started dating at the beginning of the school year when I was a freshman at Darlington and Brad was a junior.
The very first time Brad and I ever talked one on one was after the first Darlington football game in 2011, and I love to tease Brad that our first conversation didn't go very well. My parents were running a little late to pick me up after the game, and Brad had come back to campus because he had forgotten his wallet inside the Huffman, so it was just the two of us there after the game. When I told Brad I was still waiting on my parents to pick me up, he jokingly said, 'I guess your parents don't love you!' and that was pretty much the end of the conversation. We started dating pretty quickly after that, so I guess I fell for it. My dad told that story at our rehearsal dinner 10 years later.
Advice: "The people you meet at Darlington can truly be some of the most special people in your life. Brad and I not only met each other in our time at Darlington, but we also met all of our best friends. I think our wedding could have been classified as a Class of 2013 and a Class of 2015 reunion. It really is a special place, so hold on to those relationships. They will bring you more joy than you could ever imagine."
Jodi (Rhodes '90) and Jason ('90) Jones
Married Date: Aug. 10, 1996
Darlington Story: "First conversation was going into the Thanksgiving break of our freshman year. My pick up line to her was 'I am having a birthday over the break.' Her reply was ... so am I.' I asked when her birthday was, and she said Nov. 26 and I said, 'So is mine!' And we have to remind our boys every year to wish us a happy birthday. Ha"
Advice: "Marriage is work but is also very rewarding."
Karley (Smallwood '16) and Seth ('16) Parker
Married Date: May 22, 2021
Darlington Story: "We started dating in high school sophomore year. A funny story: We were in Mr. Shorey’s Calculus class together and he was picking at me, and I was trying to fake throw my calculator at him and the calculator came out of its sleeve and went flying towards him. He ducked and the calculator hit the picture behind him. Mr. Shorey never even noticed."
Advice: I am not sure I have any advice yet! If I had to give advice I would say definitely appreciate the small gestures!
