Jacob and Evangelina met on August 5, 2022 at the HowToLife national leadership retreat at Tyndale University in Toronto. Jacob saw Evangelina and Mr. Dean approaching upon his arrival, and he quickly introduced himself and shook Mr. Dean’s hand, but he wasn't quite as smooth when he introduced himself to her. Throughout the three-day retreat, Jacob put in the effort to follow Evangelina around and sit next to her at every meal, in every photo, and at every session. Jacob and Evangelina were both drawn to each others love for Jesus, care for others, and Biblical knowledge (Jacob also has a thing for her captivating blue eyes). It was a great context for them to quickly get to know each other on a spiritual and emotional level! This picture was taken just barley 24 hours after they met... Jacob didn't take long to make a move! Evangelina eventually caught on to Jacob's interest after he sort-of clearly and definitely long-windedly said he wanted to pursue her more. She invited him to Bradford to see if he was brave enough to make the 5-hour bus ride trek all the way from Niagara to spend the day with her entire family! He was!

After spending a couple of days with each of their families, Jacob and Evangelina went on their first official date. They went to a cafe for lunch, a pumpkin patch in the afternoon, and shared dinner together while watching the sunset! Dates like this have continued to be an important time for us to nurture our friendship and cultivate our intimacy with each other!

After exactly 3 months of getting to know each other, Jacob and Evangelina officially started dating! They were eager to continue to intentionally pursue each other more formally.

While celebrating their 6-monthaversary, Jacob "promposed" to Eva. It was a good trial run for the real thing! The first 6 months of our dating relationship was filled with great joy and sweet memories. We quickly learned that being together doesn't make a problem-free existence, but it instead gives you a best friend to navigate life with!

Jacob and Evangelina had the joy of going to her prom with the person they would one day marry. She will get to wear an even whiter dress on her wedding day!

Evangelina and Jacob made a trip to New Brunswick to meet Jacob's sisters and their families. It was such a special week for them to be together with the whole McLeod family over the long weekend. Evangelina quickly became baby Chloe's favourite and a welcomed member of the McLeod family. They knew she would be a keeper when she didn't hesitate to jump in the lake!

JACOB AND EVANGELINA ARE ENGAGED!!! After braving a nervousness that gave Jacob the flu, he brought her to a private spot along Lake Ontario to pop the question! He had a ton of help from their friends to set up the backdrop and take secret photos. Afterwards, they went on a horse and carriage ride in Niagara-on-the-Lake and then had a small and intimate surprise engagement party with their friends and family!

Jacob surprised Evangelina in Hawaii with a visit! Evangelina is currently doing a 6-month missionary training school. She will be in Hawaii from January-March, and then going to Nigeria and Mongolia to reach the nations with the gospel! Jacob is eagerly anticipating her return in June while continuing his studies in theology at Heritage. This has been a challenging but important time for our individual growth! Jacob and Evangelina look forward with joy towards their marriage and celebrating that covenant with their friends and family! They are thankful for the journey that God has them on, and they can't wait to see how they will serve him together for the rest of their lives in and outside the home....