We've asked ourselves many times what it might have looked like if we had started dating in different circumstances. If we had met six months earlier, I might have had the chance to meet some of the most important people in Micah's life. Instead, the first six months of our relationship were marked by loss --- three of Micah's grandparents in a little over six months.

That isn't to say there weren't wonderful moments too. We enjoyed living next door to each other during our senior year at Wheaton, going out to get Thai food for our first date to avoid the Sunday brunch rush. We had many (rushed and somewhat blurred) visits while I was completing grad school in Missouri. And as I write this, I am benefiting from a scholarship that is allowing me to complete my schoolwork in Virginia, finally able to look forward to being in the same place with Micah for the rest of our lives.

When we let ourselves ask those recurring "what-if's," we always come back to the same conclusion. We are just as grateful for the tearful late-night conversations as we are for spontaneous college game nights that made us realize that yes, we do have a big crush on each other. We can't imagine our relationship without a lot of listening and waiting in aching awe of what God is creating from the pain in our lives. And while it often feels like we can only see a dim reflection of that promised light, we've decided that if we can walk through the valley of the shadow of death together, we can walk anywhere. For he who promised is faithful.

Thank you for celebrating with us.

Love,

Grace and Micah

G&M

Ceremony

Reception