The Beginning ...

It all started on January 18th, at a coffee shop with one beautiful girl and a handsome man. Alexandria, LA was hosting Because of the Times and neither of the two were expecting what would happen. Mutual friends were the reason for their connection at Tamp and Grind coffee shop, but he had to be bold enough to pursue the beautiful young lady.

Gracie's mother mentioned Julien as they left the coffee shop that afternoon and it sparked Gracie's interest in him. As he hoped for another chance to talk to her, low and behold, she was sitting behind him the entire conference. The service concluded and he made the decision to face the fear of potential rejection. Julien went up to Gracie and struck conversation, he said, "I have one problem, I feel that if I leave this conference without getting your number, I will regret it".

From that point, they learned a lot about each other including their mutual love for chocolate chip cookies. There were plenty of conversations and phone calls that continued to draw the two closer. Gifts were sent in the mail for snow trips in Utah, and plenty of letters to fill a hope chest.

Julien went to spend time with her in Mississippi, both of them were nervous but they had such an amazing time. They explored the city of Jackson, played corn hole, and ate beignets in New Orleans.

The Moment of Truth ...

Everyone knows that "The moment of truth" is when the girl has to meet the mother. Gracie made the trip to Dallas for the first time. As you all know, she made the cut. Julien's family agreed that she was the funniest thing in the world. They played pickleball, Gracie watched Julien run a half marathon, and they got to spend Sunday together. Needless to say, it was just another duck added to THE ROW.

The two proceeded to pray and fast about the Lord's will and they became OFFICIAL. It was time to take the next step. A step that was worth taking! Though they believe that long distance is the worst thing in the world, they are grateful that it allowed their hearts to grow fonder.

Family Holidays ...

Here we go.. Our families were able to spend the holidays together during Thanksgiving. It was during that time that the ring of her dreams was mid-flight, heading to MS. Julien had already asked for permission to ask her father for his blessing, but now it was ACTUALLY time to do it.

So, during a 5am early morning, Pastor Anthony and Julien went hunting. They talked about many things including ministry, family, life, love, and Gracie. You could hear how much he loved his first born baby girl by the knots in his voice as he complimented so much about her. He was clearly so proud of the young lady she'd become. All the while, Julien is trying to mentally prepare himself for the biggest question of his life. The perfect moment came, the morning was quiet, Pastor Anthony and Julien were whispering, the woods were serene and NOW was the moment.

"I do not know how else to say that I AM IN LOVE WITH YOUR DAUGHTER & I WANT TO MARRY HER"... He turned to Julien and with crocodile tears streaming down his face, he couldn't understand why this young man wanted to take his daughter away from him. Then, threatened to kill Julien if he hurt Gracie. BUT, he said YES!

The Proposal Planning ...

Julien knew that in his heart, the Norton museum in Shreveport, LA was exactly where the proposal would happen. Norton Museum was a familiar place and very sentimental to the both of them. If you know Gracie, she's either going to figure out the secret intuitively or continuously ask questions about it. She was ready for the proposal but had no clue when it would happen.

Finally, the day came, December 16th! The present would turn into an eternity within one moment. Julien planned it perfectly, both families present, the photographer in place, and the future bride was beautiful!

He got down on one knee and it was like he forgot how to talk. She repeatedly said she couldn't believe that it was happening. Julien uttered enough words to express his deep and true feelings about his love towards her and then he said, "Gracie Brene Anthony, will you marry me?"

Gracie Brene Anthony said, "Yes Yes Yes Yes!!"

The Future Begins ...

They are excited for a life full of love and God dreams fulfilled...