Daniel's Version:

Hey everyone,

We’re doing it! Blowing the popsicle stand! Grab your bag of peanuts, popcorn, box of chocolates, liter of Coke (or fifth of whiskey), and bring it to our wedding! Honestly, whatever floats your boat. Here goes my quick and dirty version of the last couple years, with some short and sweet thoughts about Hannah, how we met, what I truly think about her, and where I hope things are going ;)

Hannah and I met on a dating app called Hinge in August of 2023. We both were interested in each other when we confirmed that Jesus was an integral part of our lives. I was hopeful from there on out that "this one" would become someone very special to me. I asked her for an opportunity to meet her, which as any of you know with online dating, has challenges of its own. She must have thought I had something interesting going on!

We met casually on a Wednesday, the last week of August 2023. In the hours preceding our first date, I messaged her a couple times so that I could relay “important information” to her. I asked her if she could bring a couple things to our first date… I loosely planned to somehow make smoothies on the date because why go to a shop and buy smoothies?! I wasn't really sure how I was going to pull this off, but I loaded up a cooler full of different fruits, nuts, milk, cool whip, ice and a blender then made my way towards Park of Roses.

When I actually got there I was really scrambling- looking high and low for power to run the blender I had brought for whipping those smoothies up! We eventually found power outside the main building; on top of the hill, behind a trellis, in the front corner of the building, buried under a large bush... People walked by as we joked and laughed about this ridiculous scene of us making smoothies in such a weird location.

And then when all the embarrassment had subsided, and we were happily sipping smoothies walking down the trail, we engaged in a "get to know you" conversation about our lives, plans for the future, and hopes for a significant other that was willing to support our journey with God. Well it took a whole month from that point for us to become an official couple! A month later was Ellie’s birthday, and before we went to the party I convinced Hannah to become my girlfriend.

—

It has been such a blur since then. We visited with family several times including trips to Indiana, Alabama, Washington and throughout Ohio. We learned about our prayer lives, and what we think it will mean to be a family together. We laughed a ton, and nearly burst my hernia back open over the holidays spending time with friends and family!

I really enjoy the simple and mundane moments I get to spend with Hannah. When I think about what a life with Hannah will look like, I think about a companion to share meals with, someone to make big and small mistakes with, to ask forgiveness, and then to cuddle to sleep at night.

She has such an innocent, kind, and gentle personality that offsets me really well. We often are exactly opposed to each other in regard to our life choices. One thing we for sure agree on is how good God is, and how we want God to be the foundation for our life together. This has been such an endeavor for me as I learn to cherish who Hannah is naturally, and how learning to be with her will continue to change my life.

—

Some of my favorite memories together so far have been whale watching and hiking in Washington, board games and cards over the holidays, and honestly, the encouragement (sometimes pestering and joking) we give to each other. Generally speaking, we enjoy each other’s company and have a respectful regard to promote growth in each other!

There've been some amazing people along the way as well which have been a part of our lives in ways too numerous to explain in one go, and you all know who you are. You will be receiving wedding invitations for sure!! Thank you for every which way you’ve helped me and Hannah come together from before the time we knew each other as well as during our dating and engagement. Definitely, please continue to help us along in our marriage because we’re going to need it.

If you are reading this just know we love you, we love each other, and we love God. We pray for a joyful marriage with lots of little ones running around, tickling us to death, and waking us up from naps! Thanks for reading this little mini letter about Hannah and me. I’m really looking forward to more and more memories for us as we dig into the meat and potatoes of life. It’s going to be a ton of fun, and I promise to keep working at it :)

Peace and love y’all,

Daniel

Q + A

Can I bring my children?