Josh and Sarah met at Iowa State University through mutual friends and grew closer through serving in the same campus ministry.

One day, after a game night with friends and a brief "you can do this!" from family members, Josh asked Sarah out. Sarah was clueless that Josh liked her until just a couple of minutes before, even though she thought he was cute and fun to be around. She responded with neither yes or no, but "wait", to have time to think and pray.

Josh waited patiently for a month, inviting Sarah to group lunches with friends, asking intentional questions, and getting to know her on a deeper level. He asked her out again one day when they were about to study with friends in the library and she said yes!

Josh and Sarah, both nature-lovers, went on a walk for their first date together. It must have gone well, because a little over a year later, on another walk, Josh proposed.

Our Engagement, November 16, 2024-

Sarah's perspective: "I had a not-so-great day at work. I was excited to meet up with Josh, his sister, brother-in-law, and baby niece however. Josh would pick me up from work, then we would all go on a walk at Moore Memorial Park in Ames and then go out to eat at Thai Kitchen.

As I was getting off of work, I saw a text that Josh's sister and brother-in-law were running late and that they would just meet us at the restaurant. I was slightly suspicious, as I thought Josh would propose soon and this was all too convenient, but also remembered how many times my own family had been late when trying to get on the road with a baby on board.

I brushed it off, until I came out of work and got into the car. I immediately noticed that Josh was wearing a button-down shirt and long pants - VERY unusual if you know Josh, he loves to wear comfortable clothes and almost exclusively wears shorts, true to his Minnesotan upbringing.

Strangely, he still really wanted to go on the walk, even though it was raining and his family couldn't join for it. He was also pumped up and talkative to a degree I hadn't seen in a while, if ever. As we continued driving and began our walk at the park, I became more and more convinced that he was going to propose. At the same time, I was in denial and everything felt surreal.

We came up to a gazebo, and I could tell from a distance it was all lit up. I looked at Josh, then back at the gazebo, then back at him again, as we continued walking up. My sweet man got down on one knee and said, "I love God, and I love you." He then asked if I would serve God with him for the rest of our lives together. I said yes!!! I must have said yes about a hundred times during his whole proposal.

We hugged, and then remembered we should probably put the ring on, so Josh got back down on one knee and we made it official! Thereafter we called our parents and let them know, both of whom were expecting our call. Then we headed back to campus, where Josh surprised me with an engagement party filled with family and friends. I could not ask for a more kind, thoughtful, brave, handsome, wonderful fiancé! I cannot wait to marry you, Joshua Coudeyre."

Josh's perspective: She said yes! Let's goooo!

Praise God things:

- It rained all day and only stopped as Josh & Sarah were walking up to the gazebo where Josh proposed.

- Many hands went into preparing that evening, thank You God for the friends and family surrounding us and pouring into us as a couple!

- Josh had already designed and cast the engagement ring by the time Sarah's suggestions for a design had made their way to Josh through a mutual friend. Yet amazingly, the ring was nearly identical to what Sarah had envisioned for years - resembling a grandmother's ring. Only God knew Sarah's desire for that, and He was gracious enough to fulfill it!

Q + A

Are the ceremony and reception at the same place?

Is the barn climate-controlled?