Aubrey and Audrey spent a brief amount of time together at the UCO BCM in the Fall of 2019. During that short time, Aubrey was highly focused on graduating the next year, and Audrey was enjoying being a new freshman on campus. They crossed paths once a week for 16 weeks and only spoke to each other once. The interaction consisted of Audrey pointing out something that made her laugh and Aubrey's answer of a quick, but perfectly timed "Yep!". After that, they went on their separate ways.

Fast forward to 4 years later! Audrey is sitting at her desk at Alpha Gamma Delta and is procrastinating on her homework. Her roommates were in the room when Audrey stated "Guys! I'm going to download Hinge!". Her roomies were very supportive of the new journey she wanted to go on. Little did she know that after she made her profile, the first person to pop up on her screen was yes, THE Aubrey Ellis. She remembered him from her freshman year and remembered how devoted he was to the Lord, thought he looked handsome in his pictures and sent him a "Like". Aubrey (AJ) was surprised to see this girl he remembered from his senior year at UCO. She was a shining light in his memories that stood out amongst the flashcards he made for his Organic Chemistry classes. He reached out and planned a time to get coffee with Audrey (Dree).

This story would not stay true to Dree and AJ if everything went perfectly. Due to the Holidays and busy schedules, Dree and AJ had to reschedule their coffee 3 times. High with nerves, both AJ and Dree show up to Perets on a cold winter's night ready to meet each other, and both racking their brains for how to address the elephant in the room... that they remembered each other from all those years ago. Thankfully, AJ took that on and the conversation flowed seamlessly from there. They spent 4 hours at Peret's talking about their faith, their family, the UCO BCM, their past, things they loved, and really enjoyed the time getting to know one another.

After that night, both left with the mutual understanding that this had the possibility to become something beautiful. AJ continued to pursue Dree in kindness, patience, openness, intentionality, a fair amount of Dad jokes, deep conversation, songs in the car, and service. Dree couldn't help but fall deeply in love with AJ.

As they spent more time together, they found themselves surprised as to how free and quickly they were able to be their true, authentic selves. Something they both had been praying for in a future spouse.

Then, Dree booked a backpacking trip to Europe. AJ had been looking for the perfect chance to express the depth of his love and affection for Dree. He began thinking to himself "I love this woman so much, words are not enough anymore. I have to do something."

Thankfully, AJ also had a trip to Europe planned. He had long nights of planning, and days full of stressful secret keeping. On September 4th, he traveled by train from Switzerland all the way to Florence, Italy. He was in communication with Micah, a photographer in the tour group with Dree. They had planned 4 different spots for him to take Dree to. After he picked her up, she immediately looked at his pockets to see if he was carrying anything, but AJ was smarter than that, he snuck the ring box in his tall "Michael Scott" socks.

That evening they walked all over Florence. They stopped in Bookstores, cafes, passed through gardens, and avoided many mopeds. Eventually, he lead Dree into a quiet, lush, rose-filled garden that overlooked the beautiful skyline of Florence. It was there that he got down on one knee and asked Dree the easiest question of her life.

Aubrey and Audrey are thrilled to spend the rest of their lives together, making more memories and adding to their story. God had the perfect plan, and it unfolded at the perfect time. Aubrey and Audrey both look at their relationship as a testimony of God's Faithfulness. His timing is good, his plan is perfect, his gifts are abundant!

We hope and pray that our wedding is a reflection and celebration of the gift of Agape love for all humankind from our Heavenly Father!

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done

On earth, as is in Heaven

Q + A

What is "Garden Party" attire?