It was a Sunday morning in April 2024 when Byron decided to go to church. He walked to Scottsdale Worship Center. It took a short while for him to find his way, make friends, and fit in. He got to know some people and started going to small groups.

Pastor Peter learned that Byron liked country dancing and said Pastor Christine sometimes went dancing. So Byron went to Scootin’ Boots for the first time together in June with Christine and some friends. They got to know each other and became friends over time as Byron got more involved in the church, volunteering, playing in the worship band, and running errands with her.

But soon I saw how special you were…

Christine had grown up in this church. Many people here have known her for many years and know how special she is. Through more projects, lunches, and dancing outings, they learned a lot about their values, faith, backgrounds. Attractions began to bud.

In December, they went dancing at Buffalo Chip without other friends, although it was clearly not a date. Afterward, Christine told her sister-in-law Kayla it was the best “non-date date” she had been on. Both of them had feelings, and neither was sure if the other did.

Caring, faithful, and reliable…

In February, Chris broke her foot at Disneyland. Byron was willing and able to be her personal chauffeur while she was on the mend. This changed their plans to go hiking with friends soon after. Instead, Byron suggested they all go to breakfast at Tortilla Flat. One by one the others dropped out and so it was just the two of them.

It was a beautiful drive with a nice stop at the overlook on Canyon Lake. After breakfast and some good conversation, Byron asked the question, “So, we’ve both been asked if we’re already dating. Are we ready to change the answer to that question?” Chris said yes.

You make me laugh and you’re so loyal…

Many days and evenings were spent on long talks and sharing stories. They could be silly and serious and spend whole days together. Love grew quickly.

Byron now counted Christine’s father Ray among his mentors from the church, and was welcomed into her extended family. Chris learned more about Byron’s family and even went to meet them in Colorado over Independence Day. More and more was it obvious that God’s hand was on their relationship.

You were always there for me…

Through everything, from country swing dancing to working together at church, from facing life’s dramas to planning a life together. A lot can happen in two years; friends and church members gained and lost, responsibilities changed, and new jobs tried.

In November, Byron secured a job as an electrician in training. After asking her parents, Ray and Mary, for their blessing, he took Chris to their spot overlooking Canyon Lake, knelt down, and asked the question that had been on his heart for months. She said yes.

I love you more every day, as I will endlessly.

Little did I know, when I decided to walk to church on that April morning, that one heart would join another and dance into the future together, becoming one.

We are coming together as one before God, our families, and our community. We will do so in our home church, in the same sanctuary where I was dedicated as an infant, where your parents renewed their vows, where you were ordained, where I was baptized, and where we share ministry every week.

C&B

Wedding Day

2:00 PM

Ceremony

3:00 PM–8:00 PM

Reception