In the fall we started spending more time around each other through mutual friend groups. We would play games, eat out with friends, attend church events, and even train for a half marathon together!

Stacie

When I first met Cory, he was the cute new guy at CVC. Anytime there was a new single guy at church, people made sure to ask me what I thought of them. I said the same thing I typically would tell people, "He's cute, but I don't know him." It was only when we started to hang out more in friend groups, serving together, and training together where I really started to develop feelings for Cory. He was (and is) so kind, he loves to serve others, and loves the Lord deeply. He is so handsome and incredibly witty. For the most part I kept my feelings to myself and a few trusted friends. I honestly thought it would be the same old song and dance where we got to know each other, become good friends, and nothing really goes anywhere from there. Boy, am I glad I was wrong. The more we hung out together, the more Cory started to be intentional with me. When we would train for our half marathon he would stay back with me, keep my pace, and ask me questions about my life. He would intentionally sit with me at church, and would reach out to check in on how I was doing. At first, I thought he was just being really kind, and I didn't think he actually liked me. Of course, my closest friends encouraged me that he certainly liked me, but I was not convinced. Until we were at a board game night at our friend's house, he asked me out and I said "YES!"

Cory

"As we got to know each other better, I started to develop feelings for Stacie. I adored her servant's heart, her love for the Lord, her encouraging nature, and her adorkable humor. Not to mention she's breath-taking! That said, I wanted to make sure my heart was in the right place, so I took my time. I spent intentional time in prayer and sought the counsel of godly married mentors in my life. After some affirmation, I decided to pursue Stacie with the intent on finding out whether or not we should marry. I'm fairly oblivious, so even with Stacie purposefully sitting next to me regularly at church, helping me paint my condo, and giving me a thoughtful gift, I was still terrified that she was just being nice and wasn't actually interested in me. But in the end, I decided it was worth the risk and I'm so glad that I did. After a board game night at our friend's house, I asked Stacie out on our first date. And she said YES!"

Photos