May 15th, 1999, Gannon Albert McDonald was born in San Diego County. He was born not knowing that his now soon-to-be bride was born only a few yawns later. On May 28th, Susanna Joy Smith came into the world in Orange, California. History was in the making… but no one knew.

Time, distance, school — it was as if destiny was not for the two.

Gannon, after high school, went into work and became a business owner of two well-established coffee shops in San Diego County. Susanna worked hard in college with the goal of becoming a nurse at BJU in South Carolina. She was dedicated to hard work, church, friends, co-workers, and served as a student ambassador. And we can’t forget the mac ’n’ cheese meals. In the summer, she worked hard at Dream Dinners, making just that: dream dinners. Eventually, she graduated and became a nurse in OC, CA.

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After years — and prayer, and growth, trusting in the Lord — there came a messenger. And his name was Luis.

Now Luis is no ordinary fellow or folk. But he… he knew that there were two people destined for each other. The messenger spoke with Gannon in September 2024 and asked:

“Would you go on a blind date with this super amazing woman? A woman who loves the Lord and loves red hair.”

Was that it? Was Gannon, finally — 25 and 4/5 years later — going to meet the woman he had so long prayed for?

“No, I actually would not like to go on a blind date. I don’t want to feel like we have to date or not be friends. That feels desperate.”

Apparently not!

The message was out. Time ticked. The sky grew darker, sooner and sooner. But then — the idea of games, and food, and a setup came to mind. Luis the messenger and Colin the lawyer got together and conspired a plan: a double date with their wives, and two people — Gannon and Susanna — in December 2024.

“Take your seat, Gannon, and eat politely,” the lawyer said.

“Mmm… okay.”

“Play this ping pong game to impress her.”

“Sit next to her and let her win the board game.”

A few whispers… and stares. The embarrassment hit.

And poof — she was gone.

The setup had failed.

The messenger was sad.

The lawyer was content.

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But then — an early day in January came up. Another plan.

“Games! I love games,” said the messenger. “Let’s do another game night.”

But hmm… maybe this time, they should go to the park first.

And so it happened: a park, some conversations, and then a parking lot by the game night host. There, Gannon had the courage to ask Susanna on a date.

A few days went by, and they went out — long, long conversations, wonderful conversations. I couldn’t quite hear them… but their smiles were clear. They liked each other. A lot.

Fast-forward a few dates — and bam! They were a couple.

Six months went by, and Gannon worked out so that he could kneel on one knee without falling…

Susanna wore her most stunning outfit, knowing that something special might be coming soon.

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July 13th, 2025. Gannon couldn’t sleep. He was nervous.

July 14th. Same thing — still nervous.

July 15th. This was the day.

He made a plan to propose.

Susanna made the drive down to meet Gannon at his coffee shop. From there, they began the nervous, shaky drive to Del Mar, CA — where he planned to propose.

But first! Gannon drove to a nearby Ralphs as a diversion to allow the sun to lower for a perfect, atmospheric moment.

After quite a conversation at Ralphs — where Gannon almost gave away the proposal — the soon-to-be’s were off to the spot: a cliff by the beach.

At that moment, Susanna had a gut feeling — approximately 93.4% certainty — that Gannon was going to propose.

And Gannon, with a last-minute effort to distract her, gave what he described as the “special gift for the night.”

Susanna opened the gift: candy and Bible verses.

“Okay… what is this? This is so sweet.”

Gannon explained that it had a deeper meaning — a countdown. A countdown to a special day, one where friends and family would come from all over to celebrate their marriage journey.

The wedding date.

Tears of joy and smiles raced down Susanna’s face. What a special moment they had — uplifting conversation, joy, and excitement filled the air. The idea of being proposed to completely slipped Susanna’s mind.

But it was very much on Gannon’s.

Right when he was about to propose… an airplane went by.

It distracted him like a squirrel distracts a dog.

The nerves were building. Gannon lost his words… and changed course.

He started talking about the most random things.

Susanna was confused — but it turned out to be a good conversation, one that felt important for their relationship.

Then — Gannon found the words.

After a short speech, he ended with:

“Susanna, I can’t wait until I can call you wife, but in the meantime… can I call you my fiancée?”

Susanna cried. Laughed. Was so shocked.

Gannon struggled to open the ring box and said:

“Will you marry me?”

A few moments passed. Susanna was still in complete, amazed excitement and shock.

Then — she said, “Yes!”

Gannon went to put the ring on… but he couldn’t get it past the knuckle.

Susanna helped.

It was on.

It was beautiful.

And just a representation of the beauty God has blessed the two with.

They were now engaged.

We are so blessed to be with each other. Thankful for all the family and friends that helped make this happen. Answered prayers. God is so good! And this is such big evidence of the blessings he bestows upon us.

Soli Deo Gloria

G&S

Wedding Day