Romans 8:28 "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

The story of us meeting starts and ends with God. Through improbable means, God brought us together from very different backgrounds, lifestyles, and jobs to awkwardly meet while walking into church that February morning in 2022.

Izzy was born in Cuba, to a family of Cuban doctors. They immigrated to Jacksonville when she was not even 1 year old to give their children a better shot at life. Izzy first learned Spanish in the home, and then English as she began attending school. Growing up, she would attend Catholic mass with her family, dance school, and eventually graduate college from UNF. Through a number of crazy circumstances, she began attending Grace Community Church late in 2020. Although active in Grace Community Church, Izzy did not meet Jimmy until that awkward encounter in February 2022, nearly 2 years later.

Jimmy was born in Tampa, Florida to a businessman and stay at home mother. They grew up attending a local presbyterian church. Jimmy was homeschooled in Tampa until attending the University of Virginia to compete in the Varsity Golf program. After Graduating in 2017, he moved back to Tampa, Florida, where he lived until 2021. Needing a chance of scenery to hopefully spark a career advancement, he moved to Jacksonville in 2021. During his move, Jimmy learned of Grace Community church and quickly became a member. Yet, it took a year attending Grace until Jimmy met Izzy.

"We were both late to church that day. "Coincidentally," we collided as we funneled into church. I (Jimmy) saw a beautiful woman, quickly checked to see if she had a ring on her left finger, and when I saw it was empty, took a deep breath and introduced myself. "Hi, I am Jimmy, are you new to this church," I believe were the words that I used. Izzy kindly explained she had attended for nearly 2 years and I diverted to use the restroom. As I walked late into church to try to find an empty seat, I saw one close to the front. It was completely empty save for one person. I walked up to the seat unaware that this person was the same person I had just met. By the time I realized it, it was too late. "Hi Izzy, mind if I sit here?" She said "yes," and proceeded to scoot down about 4 seats, firmly resting her purse between us as to show we were NOT together.

About a week later, I messaged her on instagram where we began talking. With kindness, she did not allow me to take her on a date for about 3 months, but in April we went on our first date. June of that year, we started dating officially. Despite completely different cultures, families, and educational backgrounds (her's in medicine and mine in business), we bonded over growing in Christ together, close mentors, and good friends."

What began in February 2022 turned into an engagement in November of 2023 and now our marriage in September of 2024. It has not been easy, but our relationship has been so rewarding. We know God is working all things together for our good to mature us so that we might love each other, others, and Himself better. We are excited to join our lives together on September 8th and so excited for you to join us there!

Sincerely,

Jimmy and Izzy