We are both blessed with good friends and good family. It was their care and love for each of us that helped bring us together. We had both been invited to attend the same Mass in an effort to get us to meet after which there was going to be an ice cream social. Convincing anyone to get up early and attend a 7am Mass on a Sunday morning was already a pretty tall order, but we both showed up! Our first conversation was at the social (ice cream for breakfast!) where we discussed the Latin Mass, work, and our mutual love for Jesus and His humble servant, St. Francis of Assisi. We were able to exchange numbers and our first date was set!

FIRST DATE

We met for dinner at Osteria Mia, a nice Italian place where we knew there would be wine to help calm the nerves! While enjoying our lovely bottle of Prosecco we continued our conversation about the Church and began to get to know each other. Conversation at one point even turned to the theological implications of the existence of aliens, so romantic! The fact that Isabelle didn't run away at that very moment was the first sign that perhaps a second date was in order!

COURTSHIP

We decided on breakfast for the following Sunday (Aug. 25th, 2024) at U.S. Egg, the most patriotic of breakfasts! After High Mass and some McDonald's ice cream we drove back to the restaurant and continued conversation sitting in the parking lot. Andy, with a lump in his throat, asked Isabelle for the honor of being called "boyfriend and girlfriend" and she happily agreed! We both had events with our families planned in the coming weeks so it wasn't long before we got to meet the whole crew! Dogs included!

We dated for the next four months (with relatively few hiccups!) and enjoyed some very beautiful times together. Some of our favorite dates have included wine tastings, stargazing, sharing our favorite movies with each other, spending time with each other's families, Eucharistic adoration, and Mass. As we grew to know more about the other person, we grew in knowledge of ourselves and of God and His will for our lives.

ENGAGEMENT

While dating, we got to spend some time at a winery in Cottonwood. It was Isabelle's first time at a winery, her reaction was, "....It's so....yummy"! That about describes it! We've taken some wine classes together since then, and for Christmas Isabelle bought Andy two tickets for wine tastings at a couple different wineries for a second trip to Cottonwood. We set a date for January 19th for our wine adventure!

We started that Sunday morning with Mass at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Clarkdale. The Gospel at Mass was the Wedding Feast at Cana where Our Lord does His first public miracle, turning water into wine. Andy to Isabelle: "Look its about wine"! Only later, with an engagement ring in his pocket, did Andy notice it was also about a wedding! After breakfast we took a short hike along the Verde River. At the water's edge Andy reflected briefly on the Gospel and it's fittingness: "And so it seems appropriate today to ask, will you be my wife"? A very clear and enthusiastic "Yes", some jumping and hugs and kisses followed. We got some selfies with the ring and started sending out texts to let family and friends know. We were able to celebrate with our wine tastings, and it was all the sweeter!

We have decided on October 4th for our wedding day. October 4th is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a Saint of the Roman Catholic Church, revered by people of all faiths as a man of peace and for his likeness to Christ. Please join us in praying St. Francis' peace prayer on the home page of the website as we use it as a model for our relationship as we prepare for a holy marriage.

Christ's peace be with you all!