Faith and Gray — their story started at Dallas Baptist University when Gray, an upperclassman,

noticed Faith, a freshman, from across campus and immediately thought, “Wow, she’s the

most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.” But there was just one catch—Faith had a boyfriend at the

time. So, Gray decided to wait it out and see what happened.

Fast forward to spring 2022 during rush week, and Gray found out Faith was newly single. Timing couldn’t have been better, with a formal coming up. He wanted Faith as his date, but first, he needed to get to know her. So, he called her up, laid it all out, and said, “I want you

to come to this formal with me, but really, I just want to date you.”

Faith wasn’t sure at first since she barely knew him, but Gray didn’t give up. A week before the formal, they had their first date. And it was magical. Gray took Faith to a spot in Dallas called Bowen House, where they spent the evening shaking off their initial nervousness and getting lost in conversation.

Faith: “Gray was so smart, funny, and genuinely kind. By the end of the night, I couldn’t believe how much chemistry we had. He made me feel completely at ease.”

Gray: “Honestly, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure if we’d click. But halfway through dinner, I realized how much we had in common. I knew right then I’d found my best friend and the person I wanted to be with forever.”

On top of everything, their shared faith and commitment to Christ brought them even closer. Soon, they were officially dating and meeting each other’s families. Luckily, they both lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, so that part was easy. Gray, one of five siblings, fit right in with Faith’s family and her younger brother.

By January 2023, Gray knew he wanted to propose. Everything about their relationship felt right and natural. But after talking to his brother-in-law about ring prices, he realized he needed to save up a bit! No rush—Faith already knew Gray was "the one" when he gave her a promise ring, telling her he’d keep pursuing her every day, no matter what.

Gray’s big moment of clarity came during their half-marathon in February 2023. They trained together, pushed each other, and shared so many highs and lows. When they crossed that finish line together, he knew she was the one he wanted to keep running through life with

(cue the feels!).

By fall 2023, they were both certain marriage was in their future, but Gray told Faith not to expect a proposal until 2024. She was cool with that and didn’t think twice about it.

But on October 21, 2023, Faith got the surprise of her life. She thought they were headed to Gray’s house for an early birthday dinner for his mom. Being fashionably late (a habit Faith totally owns up to), she was rushing to be on time when she casually checked her phone and noticed her parents were at Gray’s parents’ house. Suspicious, right?

As they walked through a park near Gray’s parents’ place, Faith spotted a cozy blanket, surrounded by candles and flowers. Gray took her hand, led her over, and then dropped to one knee, catching her completely off guard. Overwhelmed and beyond excited, Faith obviously said “Yes!”

Turns out, Gray had enlisted Faith’s best friend, Ava, to help with the entire setup. Ava, a classmate from college and a pro photographer, captured the entire moment. Afterward, they headed back to the house for a surprise engagement party with both families and close friends, making the night even more unforgettable.

And that’s how Faith and Gray’s adventure together really began.