Christian: When I first met Rachael, I was teaching a session for an FCA internship in Atlanta in June 2024. My friend Mikayla was there, and when I mentioned I’d be moving to Charleston that August, she asked if I’d made any friends there yet. I told her no—little did I know she already had a plan.

Five minutes later, she handed me her phone with a FaceTime call already connected. On the other end was this cute blonde girl: Rachael. It was just a quick, 30-second introduction—nothing deep, just a friendly hello. After the call ended, I didn’t think much of it. But about an hour later, Mikayla sent me Rachael’s number and insisted I reach out.

I waited a couple of weeks before finally sending that first text. We exchanged messages for a few days, then moved to phone calls, then FaceTime. Before I knew it, I was standing outside her apartment in Charleston on my moving day, meeting her in person for the first time. And somehow, against all odds, it was perfect.

The next day was our first official date, and from then on, the months that followed became the greatest of my life. Pursuing her, learning her heart, and putting into practice everything I’d ever been taught about loving someone well—it’s been an honor. I still have so much to learn, but I’m grateful our story is just beginning.

I’ll spend the rest of my life cherishing the gift God has given me in Rachael. I don’t deserve her, but I’ll never stop thanking Him for her or pursuing her with everything I have.

The way she lives out the Gospel, serving those around her with selfless love, is both inspiring and contagious. The way she loves me is more than I could ever deserve, and I look forward to every day we get to serve the Lord together, advancing His Kingdom and fulfilling the Great Commission so that all may know Christ and be known by Him.

Pursuing Rachael has been nothing short of a gift, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us.

Rachael: As I write this, I stop, smile, and praise the Lord for His kindness. I will never forget being at work at Broad Creek Marina on June 5th, 2024. My good friend Mikayla FaceTimed me, as usual. At that time, she was in Atlanta for the summer, doing an internship with FCA. When I answered the phone, she enthusiastically greeted me and said there was someone I needed to meet. She began telling me about her friend who was moving to Charleston in the fall. A few seconds later, Christian appeared on the other end of the phone.

The initial interaction was extremely brief, and I remember thinking to myself, "Wow, this guy has a lot of energy." When Mikayla took back the phone, she said, "Rachael, this guy would be perfect for you." In my pride, I responded, "No thanks, I'm good."

Shortly after that call, I received a text from Christian saying it was nice to meet me and that he hoped we could connect in Charleston. Once again, I am humbled to say that I didn't save his number, nor was I particularly interested.

A few weeks later, by the Lord’s kindness, Mikayla and I were together at an FCA camp. One Tuesday afternoon, I received a text from a random number. After a few seconds, I realized it was Christian. His message caught my attention, and Mikayla and I FaceTimed him. When he answered, I thought he was cute, and my interest piqued.

For the rest of the week at camp, he intentionally reached out every day. On Friday of that week, we had our first phone call, and about two hours later, I was impressed. For the next month and a half, Christian consistently pursued me through texting and nightly phone calls.

On August 19th, Christian came to Charleston, and we met in person for the first time. That day, we also spent time with my five friends who were over for dinner. (Shoutout to the Ladson Ladies plus Maryn! And shoutout to Mackenzie for meeting Christian in person before me in GA!)

On Tuesday of that week, we went to the beach for our first date. We had an amazing time, so much so that Christian received a parking violation from the Isle of Palms PD! For about five weeks, he patiently built the in-person aspect of the emotional relationship we had already established.

A few weeks later, Christian drove to Bluffton to speak with my dad about pursuing a relationship with me. That night, he asked me if I wanted to enter into a relationship to pursue marriage. After much time in prayer, intentional conversations, and receiving peace from the Lord, I knew that saying “yes” to Christian in that moment was a yes for the long run.

In our time together, Christian has pursued and loved me like Christ loves His church. He has been patient with me, helped me grow as a follower of Jesus, and encouraged me to grow as an individual through both challenging and fruitful conversations. I praise the Lord for Christian and how He brought him into my life according to His perfect timing.

I cannot thank the Lord enough for bringing someone who has become my best friend and forever teammate. What a joy it is to know that I will get to choose Christian daily, help him learn to like vegetables, and pursue the Lord with him until He calls us home.