We, Seth and Emily, actually met online 🙈 With slim pickings in our local community, we both providentially joined a Facebook group called "Reformed Conservative Singles" very niche, right?

I, Emily, had been on there for some time, lurking in the background but occasionally checking the group from time to time. Then, Seth joined, and he wrote an intro post. I pretty much immediately gave it a like, and soon Seth slid in to my dms.

When we initially started talking, I was pretty excited because I thought Seth still lived in Maryland - not too far from my family. But soon I found out Seth was 10 hours away in Missouri, where he lived on a beautiful homestead. He had just moved out there, got out of the army, and was hoping to build on his land for his family. Open to what may come, we texted and called for about 2 months, but eventually I concluded that Missouri was way too far from family for me, and ended it. Kindly enough, Seth actually considered moving back out east - looking at land and jobs. I was quite flattered 🥰 Unfortunately, it wasn't practical, and Seth decided to stay out in Missouri. And after about a month, I actually set Seth up with a friend 🙈 They talked for a bit, but it didn't work out, thankfully!!

Flash forward to the new year, Seth decided it was time to move back to the east coast. It was important for him to be near family, a job opened up in Maryland, and he moved back to home California, Maryland. After less than a month of being home, Seth slid back into my messages, telling me he moved back, and asked if we could catch up. At the time, I was actually dating a guy so I said no. Lucky enough for Seth, (and unconnected to the situation!!) I ended the relationship, and that week told Seth I was open to going out if he still wanted to.

The next weekend, Seth came up to Bangor, PA (a whole 5 hour drive for a first date!!) and completely wooed Emily. From there, they hung out as often as they could on the weekends, whether Seth came up to PA or Emily traveled to MD, each moment together was special, and the time apart was spent intentionally getting to know each other, their values, hopes for the future, and seeking the Lord in it all.

By mid-May, marriage was on the mind and soon Seth received the okay from Mr. Learn. Seth waited about another two months until the family vacation, and on August 7, proposed to Emily in Ocean City Maryland, right along the inlet. He completely surprised her with having his and her family present, with Kyle and Lila grabbing pictures and video from behind bushes. Seth built a beautiful wooden box to hold Emily's ring. And the cherry on top, behind them was a restaurant with outdoor seating. They watched the whole thing, and the moment Seth went on his knee, they cheered for the engaged couple!

We are so excited to enter into marriage together, and look forward to entering into this Covenant on Friday October 18, 2024. Please be praying for us as we plan and prepare, for God to provide physically, to prepare our hearts for marriage, and to be the center of our marriage! ...........