There is a theory in some cultures which claims a red string ties two people together, no matter where they go they are always connected and eventually the red string of fate draws them together. It sounds like a fairytale, but explains our story pretty accurately.

Amanda was born in the DFW area of Texas, and Steven was born in the metro Detroit area in Michigan. Raised in different worlds and different places, somehow our paths kept crossing until we finally collided.

Amanda’s dad is a pastor in a suburb of Fort Worth, and during Steven’s childhood he lived for a period of time in the city where her dad pastors. He even visited her father’s church! Steven then moved back to Michigan.

In October of 2016, we met as adults when Amanda’s childhood friend married Steven’s brother. We were on different journeys and went our separate ways.

Then in November of 2020, we again connected as adults, this time virtually while playing video games with mutual connections. Over the years we became casual friends, playing games off and on.

In early 2024 however, while playing a game one night, something felt different for us both. Our friendship quickly evolved into a serious relationship.

While we both knew we had found the one we wanted to spend our lives with, we had huge obstacles to face. Amanda was living in Texas, Steven was in Michigan, and it seemed complicated…we didn’t know how long it would be before we could be together.

Somehow though, all the pieces fell into place somewhat miraculously! Amanda put her house on the market and within a month closed on it with a full price cash offer. She was offered a position in Chicago with her job, which was now only a 5 hour train ride away from Steven. After 8 months in Chicago, she was offered an opportunity to work fully remote from Michigan.

Finally after 35 years of separate lives and crossing paths, we are finally on the same one. We both went through long journeys to find each other, and have overcome great obstacles to keep each other, so we opted to have a private ceremony with just our parents and Steven’s children present to focus our celebration on each other.

Now that we are able to start this new adventure, we wanted to share our story with all of you!

A&S