Hollie Sowell and Ethan Brittain have known of each other for most of their lives — growing up in the same church, joining the same youth group, and even sitting next to each other in "Big Church" with their families. But it wasn’t until their senior year of high school that their paths truly crossed in a way neither could have expected.

Hollie had started a new youth group organization called The Rise Project with a heart to serve the community, and she invited nearly all of the seniors in the youth group to get involved. Ethan, however, was the one who kept showing up, week after week, despite the uncertainty and challenges that came with the COVID pandemic. While he admits now that he was attending the meetings primarily to spend time with his "church crush," Hollie was captivated by Ethan's commitment — he was always there with a smile, willing to help, serve, and support. That commitment didn’t go unnoticed...

After the very first meeting, Hollie and Ethan found themselves looking for each other at every Sunday school class, post-church lunch, and Rise Project gathering. Ethan was captivated by Hollie's beauty, kind heart, and humor, and Hollie was charmed by Ethan's gallantry, humility, and devotion to Jesus. What started as a friendship slowly blossomed into something deeper, and before long, the two were inseparable.

For nearly four years, Hollie and Ethan grew together, laughed, supported each other, and built a life full of love and adventure. After what felt like "a lifetime of waiting," Ethan finally decided it was time to take the next step.

In a beautiful garden in Nacogdoches, Texas — a place Hollie had loved since she was a little girl — Ethan surprised her with a proposal that took her breath away. And, of course, she said yes!

Now, after years of love and laughter, Hollie and Ethan are excited to share this new chapter with their family and friends as they join together in marriage. They are so grateful for the journey that led them here and can't wait to celebrate with you on their special day!

H&E