We met at Kingdom Culture, the young adults group at Reliance Community Church. The first time we met was in spring of 2023. Jacob Hall, the young adults pastor at the time, introduced the two of us to each other. We had just finished up small group at the Hall's house. We saw each other off and on, whenever we both were at Kingdom Culture at the same time, over the next several months. In October, Josh caught a golden opportunity to talk to Hope. We shared what we had in common such as homeschooling, science, and our love of stories. This was our first actual conversation. In November of that year, Hope and her sister sent an open invitation to the Wichita Stockyards one Saturday night to anyone in the young adults group. Josh and his wingman Jay were the only other two from Kingdom Culture. Also in attendance were other friends of the Strickbine sisters. After a night of dancing, laughs and getting to know each other, we became good friends. Jay definitely helped out, thanks Jay! Hope shared one of her favorite bands "The Gray Havens" with Josh that night. Listening to the type of music that Hope loved, Josh fell in love that night.

Our first date was at Watermark Books. We had tea and discussed C.S. Lewis, our faith, literature, and much more. Once Watermark closed, we went and walked around Towne West mall, played mini golf, and had other adventures. We had a lovely time! For some reason, Hope agreed to go out with Josh again for a second time (Josh still is amazed!).

We have grown to love a wide variety of dates! Some activities we love are exploring Wichita, trying new restaurants, dances/dance lessons, building matching outfits, live music, and seeing plays or movies.

Josh said "I love you" first. It was after a campus ministry event that we attended at Newman University, where Hope shared her testimony from her time at Newman. After some deep conversations that evening, Josh knew it was time to declare his love.

Semi formal attire is requested. Our wedding colors are blues and tans.

Josh knows! No one else does.