Her Perspective:

Benjamin and I met at the Racer Campus Ministry. I knew him as the loud boy with long hair who I probably wouldn't get along with very well. At the time of our meeting, both of us were in relationships, but as luck would have it, we would find our way to one another again later. Soon after we met, the pandemic hit, and we got in contact with one another (well... he got in contact with me). Time went on, and our conversations got longer, we really clicked, but I really did not want to be dating anyone- so I told him that, but Benjamin is very persistent. I tried really hard to run him off, but Ben kept persisting, and I thank God for that every day. I can not imagine my life without Benjamin, and am so thankful God did not allow him to give up on me. He continually pursued me, and still does to this day. Soon after getting closer to Ben, I told my best friend I was going to marry him- when you know, you really know! I never would have imagined I would meet my soulmate in the middle of a pandemic! Now, a year later, we're getting married!

His Perspective:

Gracie and I started like any good couple starts: talking about food at a campus ministry event. The very first conversation we ever had was about Pals, a fast food restaurant located in East TN, where I am from. Unfortunately, it should happen that we were both involved with other people at the time, but I'm so unbelievably glad that changed just a few months later. Also a few months later though, the pandemic happened. After texting infrequently throughout the pandemic, in July of 2020 we started talking with more regularity, and she was so hesitant about starting another relationship. But eventually, after months of begging her to give me a chance, she did. And I thank God every day that she gave me a chance. I'm so madly in love with Gracie, and that love has only grown since it started. I knew within the first month of dating that she was The One. Around 7 months into us dating, the tables turned. Instead of me begging her to give me a chance, she was begging me to propose. After many distractions and red herrings, in June of 2021 I asked her to marry me in the annex of the campus ministry house. That summer we were both working at the same company, so it was difficult to plan a surprise with us spending so much time together. I'm so excited to be marrying my best friend and the love of my life! I cant wait to spend the rest of my life with her!

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