We first met as freshmen at UMHB during our welcome week, but just remained acquaintances until the second semester when we were placed in the same small group in an on campus ministry called First Year Collective. That semester and on we continued to grow closer as friends and went back and forth liking one another until our third year when I was about to graduate.

The day after I was accepted into Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama, Maya asked me out on a date, her thought was "I cant let him get away without asking' and thankfully she did ask. We went on our first date on April 5th, 2022 where I asked Maya to be my girlfriend. A month later I graduated and we both went off to different summer camps beginning our time of long distance, where we continued doing long distance as Maya finished up undergrad the following year and I began seminary (11 hours away from each for those who are wondering). Since Maya's graduation she has moved back home to Royse City where we have continued our long distance and grown closer together even in our extended distance away from each other.

The Lord has blessed us both with this relationship that we have and are so thankful to be here today and get to celebrate with each other and you in the union of our marriage. If there is one thing we have learned in our time before getting married it would be the importance of leaning on the Lord no matter the distance or what is ahead of us and supporting each other through the easy and difficult times. We are so incredibly grateful to be here today and join together as the Richardsons!

Again, we are so thankful for you and cannot wait to celebrate with you on July 20th! Cant wait to see you there!