Daniel and Josephine first met out swing dancing at the Jump in Gallatin Gateway. At first, it was very casual, but over time both realized that they really liked dancing with each other. Eventually, Daniel invited her to partake in a private dance lesson he was doing, and even went on to ask if she would help him teach some church friends to dance before their wedding. Over the course of more conversations, both realized each other’s love for the Lord, family, agriculture, and nature. After a couple of casual get-togethers, he finally got the nerve to ask her out on a date. In case y’all are wondering, she did say yes :)

The first date was a trip to Genuine Ice Cream, followed by a fun adventure walking the trails by the Gallatin River. They finished up by sitting on a bench watching the storm clouds roll in, and horses grazing in a nearby pasture. That then spurred on a series of phone calls, get-togethers with friends, rodeos and music events, and dates when they could fit them in. At the Bozeman Fair, while taking a ride on the ferris wheel after a concert, Daniel officially asked if Josephine would be his girlfriend. After she agreed, it turned out to be wonderful timing because her mother was coming into town to visit that weekend. She was happy to meet him and was excited for them both.

In the next 6 months to follow, their adventures together included camping trips, hikes, dinner dates (anything from American to sushi), campfires with friends, and making fun recipes in their own kitchens. They celebrated Daniel’s birthday in his hometown, Eureka MT, where she began to meet his immediate family. They even got to go on a vacation to Texas to meet a few more Starks. And of course…lots of dancing filled in the gaps. As they got to know each other much better, they felt strongly about God’s work in their lives, and in bringing each other together. Josephine felt that Daniel had been a gift of many prayers answered. For Daniel, he’s seen the Lord's provision in bringing the right woman into his life, all in His perfect timing.

Early in January 2024, Josephine’s church friend/mentor, Kam, asked if she would like to take a hike back behind her house that weekend with her, her daughters, and dogs. She loved the idea and agreed, because she knew that Daniel was supposed to have worship practice at church that day. Or did he?

As they were walking, Josephine saw someone on the trail, but it wasn’t till she got closer that she realized who it was. Her handsome country man was waiting for her. Kam walked her right into a surprise that was planned all along! Truthfully, he did have practice that day…just not at the time she expected. Daniel then led her the rest of the way down the trail, to where he had set up a bench with romantic decorations and favorite memories hung up. He took a minute to share some meaningful words about their place in each other's lives. He got down on one knee, and presented her with a gorgeous Montana sapphire ring, and asked…

”Will you marry me????” As you might have guessed by this point, she affirmatively said, “Yes!”

Now having started planning the wedding, they’re so excited to be walking down this road together, with you to come alongside them and celebrate! Thank you for being involved in their lives, and ultimately being part of their adventure…a new story beginning to unfold.

Praise the Lord!