The first time I talked to Mariclare was my freshman year of college. I was asking around for donations for a non-profit, and I went up to her to see if she would help out. She replied, "Sorry, I have zero dollars." It stuck with me how straight forward she was, but it was not until later that night at a Prodigal Sons' household dance, that it clicked for me, how different from the rest Mariclare is. The one and only slow song came on, so I scanned the room for someone to dance with, and stopped when I saw, by far, the most beautiful girl there. I knew a bit about her already, but it clicked right there that I had to try to date this girl.

I spent the next few months walking around campus hoping to run into her, or sitting in the middle of campus doing absolutely nothing, hoping she'd walk by. Eventually I was able to muster up the courage to ask her out. So one Sunday I saw her across campus, sprinted after her, and asked her on a coffee date. Then for a hug because I was so relieved she agreed to go. The whole time during our first date I could not believe a girl this seemingly perfect agreed to go out with me and seemed to be having a decent time. I was in total disbelief that someone this beautiful, kind, talented, and cool existed and was on a date with me.

Unfortunately it was the end of the year, and our paths took us separate ways, and we decided against trying long-distance. While I was away studying in Austria, all I could ever think was, "No matter who I date, I will always be thinking of how much better Mariclare is," so I never considered dating another girl.

Good things come to those who wait, and after a few months of being back in the U.S. she agreed to finally date me, and the best time of my life officially began April 6, 2023.

Mariclare is my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, my rock, and my princess. The day she came into my life is the day I saw the world differently, and saw the goodness of God clearer. I can't wait for the rest of my life on earth to be with my favorite person in the world.

It was a totally normal day at Franciscan University (or so I thought). A sweet blue eyed guy asked me, “Do you have any money?” He explained that he was raising funds for “the children in Africa”... I told him I didn’t have any to spare. Just to make sure, he came back twice to ask again, making me laugh out loud.

That night at Spring Formal, I was surprised to feel a tap on my shoulder, and even more surprised to find the philanthropist from earlier that day ask me to dance. He introduced himself and we shared the last 30 seconds of the song together. I had no idea that would be my first dance with my future husband.

The next few months consisted of the cute Lethal Lifts guy “being in the area randomly”, and popping up wherever I was around campus. One day, after running down the street with a stomach bug, Ethan finally asks me to coffee, which I gladly accept. Although he forgets to ask for my number, he takes me on the best date of my life- I felt like I had known him my entire life; Never before had I been treated with such confidence and care; there was something extremely unique and impressive about him. I felt like a princess from that first date. I literally could not get over how drawn I was to knowing this amazing person.

About to be separated for 9 long months, we made a tearful goodbye before dating officially, and parted ways. There wasn’t one day that went by that I didn’t think of Ethan; no one else came close. Plus, being the most eligible bachelor on campus had him in my constant prayers.

Those many months later, I discovered that we were both attending a wedding for some friends- I made SURE that I was the one to pick him up from the airport. The next weeks consisted of playing guitar together, going on a million little dates, and trusting the Lord for His perfect timing.

We officially began dating on Holy Thursday of 2023, beginning the most amazing relationship I could ever ask for. Ethan has taught me what true love means, and that God delights in giving good things to His children. Ethan is the best thing to ever happen to me. He is my biggest inspiration in life, and words cant describe the rock he is to me. I still cant believe that God has made my Prince Charming my forever best friend. I am moved daily by the compassion, support, and goofiness he brings to my heart. It has been the gift of my life to cherish him every day. Thank you Jesus for the immense privilege and joy to be his.