Johnny and Ashley first got to know each other at Moody Church in downtown Chicago! At this time they were acquaintances and becoming better friends. This picture is from a young adults fall retreat! Little did they know that they would one day get married! ❤️

After Covid hit in the spring of 2020, Johnny and Ashley went their separate ways. Johnny graduated from Moody and became a pastor in Iowa. Ashley continued in getting her bachelors degree at Moody in Chicago. In the fall of 2020, Johnny reached out to Ashley to get to know her better. Finally, Ashley agreed to go on a friendship "date" on Dec. 7th. They went to Chicago when everything was shut down - they even had to eat dinner outside in the cold under heat lamps!

During the winter of 2021, Ashley and Johnny stopped talking. They had become good friends, but Ashley wasn't ready to start a relationship. During this time, God worked in mighty ways in both Ashley and Johnny's heart. It was clear that God was leading them together. In the spring, Ashley reached out to Johnny and they continued to grow their friendship. On April 29, Johnny invited Ashley to speak at his young adults group at church. This is where sparks started to fly! 🤩

After a weekend together in Iowa doing ministry, looking at tulips, and chatting for hours, there was no denying that Ashley and Johnny liked each other. At Red Rock Lake during sunset, Johnny asked Ashley "So, what is this?" and Ashley said, "I like you." .... Johnny was ecstatic!

Johnny officially asked Ashley to be his girlfriend... and she said yes! At the end of the night, he took her to the top floor of a skyscraper in downtown Chicago to get dessert. It was such a romantic and beautiful night.

In the summer of 2021, Johnny and Ashley got to know each other better over the phone doing long distance. Ashley did her summer internship in New Mexico and Johnny was in Iowa doing ministry. In June, Johnny got the opportunity to come to New Mexico and serve the Navajo people with Ashley for a week! Ashley was so excited to share a big piece of her heart and passion for the Navajo people with Johnny.

At the end of summer, Ashley got the opportunity to show Johnny Door County, WI for the first time! He loved Door County!😁

Since Johnny and Ashley were long distance, many of their dates were on FaceTime. Every night, they would chat and catch up. They went through books together and most nights would laugh their heads off! 🤪🤣

The first time Ashley met Johnny's family was in November when Johnny's parents and sister came to visit Iowa! It was a fun celebration!

On Christmas Day, Johnny got down on one knee and proposed to Ashley! She said YES! Throughout their time of friendship and dating, Johnny and Ashley held each other with open hands. They constantly prayed and asked the Lord to lead them. It was evident and clear that God was leading them together 😊