We had both been living in Charlotte for some time before we met, yet in our separate lives, we hoped for the same qualities in our future partner: someone who knows and loves the Lord, someone who is kind and generous to others, and someone who could keep up with our fervid snacking!

Then in August 2023, we met at a local bar where we chatted through a torrential rainstorm, a passing run club, and a very dynamic Bingo night! The acoustics and other patrons teemed around, yet our conversation and time multiplied even more.

Throughout the next several months, we crisscrossed the Carolinas sharing our favorite scenes. We made memories and began envisioning a life together. We could see God's patient love in lives and how wonderfully they interlaced.

On June 14th, a very sick Deb napped the afternoon away and told James she could not meet with their friends that evening. Knowing their close friends were planning to celebrate post-proposal, James had to make a game-time decision: tell all the friends to turn around and go home, or coax Deb to go on a walk to "get some fresh air."

Eventually, Deb made it outside, and the walk and proposal plan was a go!

Under the Charlotte skyline, a (Deb's) runny nose, and waterfall tears, James, on one knee, asked, "Deb, will you marry me?"

"Yes!"

This summer had been filled with visiting friends and family and dreamily reliving that day with every iteration of the story. We are so grateful and excited to share this celebration of God's grace, His mysterious and perfect timing, and the redeeming joy of two lives becoming one.

Thank you for being a part of our story, and we hope to see you on November 10th!

With love,

Deb and James