We first met just shy of five years ago at Ezra’s (aka Chloe’s brother) 20th birthday party on June 11, 2020. Ezra had a group of friends he met through college that introduced him to a larger friend group. When school got shut down, all of those friends began to hangout consistently, including Andrew.

Andrew and I briefly introduced ourselves at the party, but it wasn’t until a very intense game of capture the flag that I got my first real impression of him. We were both on defense, and in a moment of tactical genius (or so he thought), Andrew decided the best strategy was to lay completely flat on the ground and grab people’s feet as they ran by. I remember thinking it was a bit weird but also kind of cute and quirky.

As the summer rolled on, we started seeing each other more at bonfires, grad parties, and—of course—more games of capture the flag. Toward the end of the summer, during another game of capture the flag, Andrew and I found ourselves again on defense. Out of nowhere, he asked if I’d be free the following week to grab sushi. I literally looked around in disbelief.

But just before our date, Andrew kindly (and very maturely) let me know he didn’t think it was the right time. We were heading off to colleges in different places, and he wanted us both to be fully present in that new season. I had also recently come out of a serious relationship, and honestly, looking back, we both believe God was protecting us and giving us time to grow separately before we could grow together.

Almost a year later, we reconnected at Salt, a campus ministry at the U of M. We caught up on life, school, and everything in between. Then, on Andrew’s birthday that summer, we ended up spending time together at a friend’s cabin. When I got home, I prayed that if Andrew was supposed to be in my life, God would make it clear. The very next day, Andrew texted me and asked me on a date.

On July 2nd, we went mini golfing at the Walker Art Museum—literally a dream date for me! Then on July 13, 2021, Andrew asked me to be his girlfriend.

The past four years have been full of joy, growth, and full dependence on God. We’re so grateful for our families and community of friends who’ve encouraged us to love Jesus more deeply—which has only helped us love each other better. Christ is the center of our story, and our prayer is that our marriage continues to reflect His love.