Ben and Lizzie first met at Gather, a Young Adult church event hosted by the Friends denomination, in October 2023. They were placed in the same small group that year, interacting only briefly. When Gather returned in 2024—this time in Canton, Ohio—they were once again in the same group, sharing more conversations and a growing sense of familiarity.

During that season, Lizzie’s friend Rachel was talking to Isaac—Ben’s best friend, who was eager to be a good wingman and kept hinting that the two might be a perfect match.

Throughout the Gather weekend, Ben felt a growing interest in Lizzie. By the end, he hoped to ask for her number. But Lizzie was busy all over the church helping clean up, and Ben eventually needed to head home. The moment simply never came. So Ben gave it to the Lord, trusting that if Lizzie reappeared in his life, that would be his sign to pursue her.

Lizzie noticed he had left and briefly thought about going after him—but felt prompted not to chase something God hadn’t made clear yet. If the Lord wanted their paths to cross again, He would make it happen.

And He did.

After a week of praying and surrendering everything to the Lord, Lizzie decided to visit Morning Star Friends Church with Rachel to see Isaac—and there, she and Ben met again. They went to lunch with a group of young adults from the church, and the connection between them felt natural and easy.

Later that night, Ben got Lizzie’s number and sent a message:

“Hi, this is Ben. Would you like to do [insert fun activity here] sometime this weekend?”

Lizzie found the message adorable and said yes.

Their first date took place on November 9th, 2024. They met for coffee at Buckeye Coffee in Chardon and then walked through Big Creek Park. They talked from 10:45 a.m. until 4 p.m.—six hours that somehow felt like only three. Conversation flowed effortlessly, time flew by, and something undeniably special began that day.

(Photo not taken on first date)