Hi it’s Isabella! Starting off Aiden and I’s story, I cannot express enough how much of a blessing and grace filled it has been. One of my close friends invited me to Spring Arbor University for a worship night called Met by Love. This night was so impactful and was where I “met” Aiden for the first time. I never actually found out what Aiden’s name was till weeks later but I saw him and saw the power of Jesus shining through him. That night was incredibly powerful for many reasons as the Lord was moving in power, but little did I know that I was meeting my future husband for the first time.

I was hanging out with my older brother Levi one day and the Lord whispered to me that Levi needed to meet Aiden and his group of friends. I was confused and did not know how it was going to happen because I did not know any of their names and if I would ever see them again. But praise be to God, for He is faithful. I was scrolling on instagram one day and came across a friend that had tagged Aiden in a photo. I immediately was in shock that God made a way and Dmd him basically saying: “Hey, you should meet my brother!” and all I remember from Aiden’s response was that he started with “HALLELUJAH!”

Hey, it’s Aiden! So, initially, I got to know Levi (Isabella’s older brother) pretty well. He would spend the night with me, drive to Spring Arbor at 5/5:30AM to come to the gym, and would join us for Met By Love gatherings generally on a weekly basis. At the same time, Isabella and I would text back and forth every week or so giving updates of what Jesus was doing in our lives. I never thought of her as anything other than an amazing Jesus-loving sister in Christ. In my life at this point, the Lord was speaking to me about vision for ministry and (not to get into too much detail) He used Isabella to be His spokesperson to me very clearly on three or four separate occasions. She was at most significant moments of my faith growth from the time we met. Then, one night at MBL, I watched the Holy Spirit minister Jesus through her and was jaw-droppingly AWESTRUCK. I had never seen love made manifest so abundantly before. I remember thinking in my mind at that moment, “That’s my wife”!

On April 17th, 2022, Easter Sunday, I called Isabella late at night while staying at a co-worker’s parent’s home in Ohio with a burning to intentionally commit this growing relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ. I remember praying together and being so in awe of the woman the Lord had led me to! It was very late into the night (and early into the morning) when we said goodnight. I remember departing and heading to bed with so much joy and thankfulness!

Aiden met my family first! What a joyful time it was to introduce him into my life. I don’t remember when they met super well just because he’s always seemed like family! He has gotten super close with all of my siblings. I got to meet Aiden‘s family at one of his soccer games in the summertime. They are incredible, kind and affectionate. A blessing to get to know them. When we met each other‘s families that was a solidifying moment in our relationship. Family is very important to the both of us and it was amazing to unite it that way!

One year already?! Praising the King of kings for a blessed year with the love of my life. I am going to brag about this year with Aiden for a second because he has been the best leader, comforter and protector throughout our relationship so far. I have never seen a man love as well as he does. He cares so deeply for every person that he encounters and is so intentional with them as well. One of the most life changing years of my life and I am so excited for many more. We celebrated one year by going on a picnic, worshiping and hammocking… how amazing?! Thank you Jesus!

To begin, this would not have been possible without divine help from Jesus Christ. After months of prayer about the subject of engagement, I was confident that a vision for the day was downloaded into my mind. It was going to be on her birthday, May 15th, and I was going to incorporate some of her favorite things. She had summer classes that finished up at noon. So, I woke up early, bought flowers, cake, and some of her favorite food for lunch, then proceeded to drive to pick her up. After picking her up, we drove to a hiking trail I found and had an amazing picnic by a lake. On our way, I told her 20 things that I love about her - as she had just turned 20. On our way back, I had arranged for her to take pictures with some of her friends so she could get all dressed up. While this was happening, I got a haircut, got some help in picking up pizza, showered and got ready for a surprise party I was hosting for her. A bunch of our closest friends and family gathered, ate good food, and celebrated her. Throughout the day, I had some friends help prepare the place where I was going to propose - it was right on a lake in a tucked away beach. After the surprise party, everybody left pretty quickly and some friends went ahead to put the final touches on the proposal spot. We arrived about 30 minutes later and, as we walked in that direction, I told Isabella 20 things that I’m excited about for the future (with her). We took our shoes off, walked through shallow water, and arrived at the arch with two hidden photographers. As she marveled at the setup, I got on one knee. Then she turned around, gasped, and said “Yes”! The sun was just setting and painted the sky a beautiful color. The photographers, still hidden, began taking pictures and a bunch of our friends came out running to celebrate with us. It was truly a perfect day, covered by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, we drove to her parents’ home to celebrate with them and a few other close family friends. We called my parents and celebrated together, then headed to bed!

Aiden - This season has been a trial by fire. I have learned so much about myself, about Bella, and about love. Through it all, I am confident that I look more like Jesus and am more unified with Isabella than ever before. I am much more free, much more in love, and much more prepared to be a husband. Praise God! So so thankful.