Riley Gaines Envisions a Future America for Her Daughter to Inherit
Optimizing Nursery Themes: Embracing Southern Charm for a Cozy Space
For Riley, whose Southern roots run deep, designing a nursery is more than just decorating a space; it’s an opportunity to infuse warmth and tradition into her child’s environment. “I’ve been obsessed with geese. The baby-shower theme was goslings and gingham—adorable and charming without being overly girlish,” she shares, reflecting her unique style perspective.
Riley and Louis: From College Sweethearts to Nashville Newlyweds
The romance between Riley and Louis reads like a perfectly scripted campus love story, complete with serendipitous twists. A basketball scholarship offer from Kentucky enticed Riley to visit a college she hadn’t initially considered. “I stepped onto the campus and fell in love with the place,” Riley recalls. Not long after, she had her eye set on Louis, the intriguing British student she met her first week. Their relationship blossomed throughout their college years.
When the COVID pandemic halted Louis’s plans to return to England, he relocated to Nashville, sharing a home with Riley’s family. Although Riley was bound for dental school in Memphis and Louis was busy building his business in Nashville, their love prevailed. The day after a national tournament, Louis proposed. “Before he even hit the ground, he was in tears,” Riley recounts with a smile. Two months later, the couple tied the knot.
Embracing Marriage and a Shared Journey of Faith
“Getting married young has been the biggest blessing,” Riley declares. “Three years of just us, and now we get to extend our family.” Riley appreciates how Louis challenges her intellectually, serves as her calm, and plays devil’s advocate, stimulating her thoughts in unexpected ways.
Raised in the Bible Belt, Riley’s faith was deeply intertwined with her upbringing, attending church regularly during her formative years. However, as a college freshman, she found herself skipping Sunday services. It wasn’t until she and Louis made a commitment to worship together that her spiritual life revitalized. “Louis comes from England, where just five percent of the population attends church,” Riley explains. “I told him my faith was important to me. It felt insincere to say that without living it—hence, our decision to attend church as a couple.”
The story of Riley and Louis demonstrates the beauty of enduring love, shared values, and the strength derived from mutual support, setting a sturdy foundation for their growing family.
