We love to tell people our crazy and unique story, and how God worked all things together for good!
Garrett and Ava met at their church, Abundant Life, serving together on the Student Leadership Team. Staying acquaintances for some time, they started becoming friends in March 2024 after a weekend church retreat where they got to know each other better.
In June 2024, Ava went on a mission trip to Jamaica, and some of the students on the trip planned to play sand volleyball together the morning of July 4th. Ava casually invited Garrett to join them without knowing he had been catching feelings for her.
* This friend group hung out throughout the summer, and Garrett made his interest in Ava obvious to everyone! *
A few days after volleyball, Garrett built up the courage to ask Ava on a lunch date to get to know each other better, and Ava agreed. The date went well, however, Ava decided to chicken out and FRIENDZONE him a day later, afraid of the unknown and unsure if she likes him in that way.
The following week, they left for OneWeek, which is Abundant Life’s Summer Church Camp. Garrett follows Ava around the entire week, and Ava is keeping her eye on him, and contemplates changing her mind. Ava’s older sister Haley, and Ava’s best friend, Audrey, notice the two flirting back and forth and try their hardest to convince Ava that she really does like Garrett.
Since Garrett had made his love for Ava extremely clear, Haley and Audrey sit him down and talk through EVERYTHING with him. His intentions, what he likes about Ava, his relationships with God and people, etc. and Garrett is spilling his guts. Audrey tells Ava everything, and in that moment, Ava realizes she does like Garrett, and wants to pursue a relationship with him.
On August 11, our friend group went to World’s of Fun for the day, and Ava decides she is going to tell Garrett that she likes him. Conveniently, they ended up riding the Timberwolf roller coaster together, and just before the drop, Ava says:
“In case we die, I need to tell you something, I like you!”
On September 3rd, Garrett asks Ava to be his girlfriend, and they both instantly knew they were going to get married.
This is a dream come true and we are so thankful God led us to each other. His grace makes everything possible.