On December 31st, 2022, Jeremiah was at a New Year's Eve party thrown by friends from college; a fellow engineering student Jacob and his wife Grace. During the evening Grace informed Jeremiah that there was a single young woman at her work that he may be interested in. After seeing a couple pictures (very important first steps) and hearing glowing testimonials from both individuals, Jeremiah agreed to get her contact information. Unbeknownst to him, about a month prior, Mikaela had already heard of Jeremiah and had agreed to exchange information if the situation arose.

On Wednesday, January 4th, 2023, Jeremiah worked up the courage to initiate a text to Mikaela, which was rewarded with pleasant back-and-forth conversation and ultimately led to a coffee date planned for the very next Sunday.

But that Sunday, January 8th at 1:00pm Mikaela walked into the chosen coffee shop, sat down, and waited. And waited. And waited till an hour after the planned meeting time had passed. Initially disappointed, Mikaela decided to get back in her car (after buying herself a cup of Joe of course), and worked up the courage to send Jeremiah a disheartened text.

Unknowingly to her, the night before while out with friends, Jeremiah had sustained a serious fall, leading to a broken jaw that had required immediate hospitalization. Jeremiah wouldn't fully wake up until Tuesday January 10th; a full two days after his and Mikaela's planned date. Fortunately for him, Mikaela was very understanding and while Jeremiah was in the hospital, he and Mikaela continued to talk over text and learn more about each other despite the physical separation. She had even sent him flowers. Over the next month they kept in touch over text, even calling over the phone a couple times. Finally, on January 29th, Jeremiah and Mikaela were able to meet for the first time in person at the original coffee shop where they had planned to meet for their first date.

Over the next year and few months their relationship flourished. Jeremiah convinced Mikaela to try sushi (which was a surprising success) and Mikaela coerced Jeremiah to watch more of the twilight series than he ever expected to watch in his lifetime. On April 7th, 2024, Jeremiah found a serene spot alongside a trail at Smith Mountain Lake, where they walked and talked about their lives together. At a quiet, still moment nestled within the beauty of the trees Jeremiah sweetly took her hands in his and affirmed his love for her and his desire to spend their lives together. Kneeling down, he pulled out a ring and asked her the question that had the easiest answer. With no hesitation, she amazingly said yes. And the rest is history in the making...

The End.

We are so appreciative of all the love and support from both families, as well as friends as we have walked through the beginning of this relationship’s journey. We are also beyond thankful to the way God has so gently led and guided us through the course of this relationship. We are confident in His ability to use this marriage to make both of us more like Jesus, and to bring glory to Him as we walk this life daily together.

-J&M