I remember the first time Andrew tried to talk to me. It was the first night of NAYC 2019. I was beyond excited and was already on cloud-9 because I just graduated high school and I was ready for my next adventure. Once I got there, my group found seats and I was sitting right next to Andrew. Even though I never gave Andrew the time of day (I still feel bad for this haha), He tried to start and hold a conversation but it ended with me brushing him off.

Fast forward to a year later, Andrew posted for my birthday, June 5th of 2020. I thought it was weird since we only have had one conversation, but I brushed it off. Andrew then messaged me on Instagram on July 11th, 2020. He replied to my story saying that I was very beautiful. So me, being the bold person I am, asked Andrew to hang out. We made the plans and a few days later I was on my way to meet the love of my life. I remember on my way, I was freaking out. I actually had to call my mom so she could calm me down. On the phone my mom started laughing because I have never been nervous for a date. Once I got there, I remember seeing Andrew for the first time. He smiled right at me with those big brown eyes. It was like an instant connection. After we ate food, we went to a park where we sat on a bench and talked for hours. We never missed a beat in any of our conversations. We talked about everything and anything. Time went by so fast when I was with him. Once I got home, I walked in my house with flowers in my hands and a big smile. My mom was waiting for me and asked how it went, I told her, laughing, it was over and I was going to marry him. Of course, once again, my mom told me to stop being dramatic and laughed. From our first date I knew Andrew was the one for me. Over the course of time, Andrew and I have made millions of unforgettable memories. We shared laughs, cries, secrets, and so much more.

Andrew not only is an amazing person but also a man of God. He has always leads us to God and never away from him. He is constantly sharing verses with me, listening to preachings, studying the word, and praying. I remember one time, I walked in Andrew's room early one morning and he was on his hands and knees praying. I closed the door quietly and started thanking God for Andrew.

Then came the day Andrew asked me to marry him, August 28th of 2021. I remember Andrew saying he wanted to go see Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills for our anniversary and wanted to look nice. We were celebrating 13 months of dating. Andrew always wants us to look nice celebrating our anniversary, so this was not weird to me at all. Plus, when visiting Cedar Falls, its not even a hike.

I woke up on August 28th of 2021 super excited to celebrate another month spent with the love of my life. Andrew and I went to Starbucks to study first because I had some assignments due the next day. Andrew was extremely quiet during this time. I can not even tell you how many times I asked if he was okay. After I finished my assignments, Andrew and I got in the car to go to Cedar Falls.

Once we got there, we parked the car and walked down the stairs to see the waterfall. It was absolutely beautiful. Then Andrew said he wanted to go on a hike, like actually hike. Let's not forget I'm wearing a cute outfit which means I am not wearing the right shoes to hike in. So me being me, I told Andrew no. Trust me when I say, Andrew did not like this response. I was explaining myself that I did not have the right shoes. So after going back and forth for a few minutes, I finally went but I was not happy.

Through out the hike, I began to complain about my feet hurting and how my shoes were going to get dirty. Andrew did not listen to me, he was on a mission. At one point, he was walking so fast I had to tell him to slow down. Halfway through the hike, I gave up on trying to save my shoes. I turned into the happy, cheerful person I usually am.

Then we came to a hidden waterfall, in which Andrew and I found a long time ago. Once we got there, Andrew and I were laughing and making jokes. Andrew said that he wanted to play a game. He stated that one at a time, he wanted us to place our hands on the other persons' heart and make promises to each other and what we love. This wasn't unusual because Andrew is very sentimental like this. So I went first, I really don't remember what I said but it was short and sweet. Then it was Andrew's turn. I remember he started smiling super big and I noticed tears in his eyes, and at this point I am like highly confused on what is going on. I remember Andrew really getting deep, talking about how he was going to be the best husband for me. He stated how he would always provide and lead us to God. I remember like it was yesterday, Andrew's last words were "You are going to be my wife" before I knew Andrew was on his knee asking me to marry him.

Fireworks were going off in my mind. Instant tears were running down my face. I started laughing and yelled YES. I hugged him so tight, I never wanted to let go. Our good friend, Alyssa Condon, jumped out and was taking photos. I remember after Andrew and I finished our long lasting hug, we both realized I never put the ring on (haha such a Elayna thing to do). All in all, many kisses and hugs were shared that day.

Of course after the proposal, Andrew was beyond hungry so we went to McDonalds. I only called my family to tell them the great news while we were in the drive through. After I ended the phone call, Andrew asked who else should we call, and I replied with no one because I wanted to truly share the moment with Andrew. We cried happy tears and laughs when eating McDonalds fries. It was the most perfect moment in my life.

We get home and Andrew had planned a surprise engagement party for me. I walked into my house with Andrew, and in front of me was my family and closest friends. They all began to cheer and clap, so of course I started crying once again. So much happiness and peace was in my house and God truly blessed me.

I truly can not wait to become Andrew's wife. June 2nd, 2022 can not come soon enough. The journey ahead is going to be full of happiness and challenges but I could not imagine doing life with anyone else besides Andrew. He means the absolute world to me and I can't wait to see where God takes us in life and ministry.

#CatchingAFrisby

A&E

July 16, 2020

July 28, 2020

January 28, 2022

July 28, 2021

August 28, 2021