Thomas and I met on September 12, 2023, at Hosanna Lutheran Church. They were having their block party that evening, and we were both in attendance. I was talking with a friend of mine and I told her that something or someone is drawing me to meeting 'that guy over there'. He sat down at a table with some people I knew, and there just happened to be an empty seat right across from him, so I sat down and joined in on the conversation. Within minutes, I turned to Thomas and introduced myself to him, which is not real typical of me to do. We had time for a short conversation about Fitness for 10 and how he could tell I worked out (even though it had been some time since I’d been there) and that he works out there too. That closed up the evening at church . I got home, and for the life of me, I could not remember his name. So, when I got home, I messaged our mutual friend, Andy, and asked what his name was, and he shared it with me. I messaged Thomas and told him it was a great meeting him and that I had hoped to see him around again. I’m pretty sure I said 'Hosanna is an amazing place', not knowing he had been attending there for 11 years. Just at separate times and separate places as me, until that evening. He INSTANTLY responded!! We chatted for a bit, and then it was time for bed.


The following day, he had asked if I was going to the Friday night worship at Hosanna, and I said yes. He asked if we could sit together and I said yes….again!! He met me there, and when I walked in, I was in awe!! He looked so handsome in his black shirt and jeans. The funny part about the whole thing is that not a bit of me was nervous! I felt completely comfortable!! The worship team was AMAZING, as always, and our time spent in worship together was beyond words. I can’t even explain how I felt that evening, just that it felt right! Did I meet a man who loves Jesus the way I love Him? Was he the reason God kept telling me no all these years??


Following worship, we went to Starbucks for coffee and to get to know each other. We spent the next couple of hours sharing our stories with each other, and then they kicked us out. They said it’s closing time, so our evening was coming to a close too. We both went our separate ways but never stopped talking on a daily basis from that moment.


Early on in our time together, we also went through an extremely sad time. Thomas’ mom became Ill. I got a few wonderful months with her and some pretty special bonding time. We got to spend our first Thanksgiving together with her and our first Christmas together with her, One evening while we were visiting, when she wasn’t talking much anymore or up and moving around, Thomas stepped out of her room and she was holding my hand and asked me, “do you think you two will get married”? I said, "I sure hope so” and she responded with, “I do too”. I told her that if we do, I promise I’ll take good care of him. She said, "I know you will”. Those words were pretty much the last words she spoke to us, other than trying to sing her favorite song with Thomas and I before God called her home. Home, to be with her husband, who I never got the chance to meet, but one day I will. I'm forever grateful that I had the opportunity to meet this amazing woman who raised an amazing man!!


The engagement: Let’s just say, he’s not good at keeping secrets or surprises. February 9, 2023, we were planning to have dinner with our friends, Lance & Stacia! That morning, Thomas asked me how my nails looked. He asked when the last time was that I had them done and said we should have gotten your nails done. All at different times in different conversations. He threw a couple other things out there throughout the day but, after all of them, he then tells me that Ean is going to come there and eat too, and that he’s going to stop by our table for a bit. I did say to just have him eat with us, but he said no, he just wants to stop and say hi.


As we were sitting there, Thomas was all fidgety and nervous, and I asked if he was okay. At first, he said yes, but once Ean showed up, it got really bad. He then asked if he could talk to me outside for a minute and so we stood up to “go outside” and as we were walking away, he turned around and got down on one knee ... .and then it happened! Out comes this beautiful diamond ring, and he asks me if I would spend the rest of my life with him. Of course I said YES! The entire place erupted in cheers!! Everyone knew but me. However, I had a hunch!! There were too many hints throughout the day, Thomas! Haha


Now, as far as the date we chose, September 13, 2025. We learned throughout the time we had been together that 13 was a favorite number of both of ours. We met in September, but to get married on the date we met, we would have to wait 4 years to have that date come up on a Saturday. So, we chose September 13, 2025.


Thomas and I have built a strong foundation! It started with God and continues with Him. We don't argue, and we don't fight....never once have we! If we don't agree on something, we talk it through. We compromise, we trust with our whole hearts, and, most importantly, we communicate!


We can not wait to celebrate our special day with each and every one of you.. Sometimes, we have to make choices that aren’t always easy, especially when we have so many special people in our lives. So, whether you’re invited to the wedding ceremony or the reception, you all hold a special place in our hearts, and we wouldn’t be able to celebrate our day without you!!!