Julia and Jacob met in high school math class (Algebra II is apparently the place to find husbands--I'm not sure how else you'd be able to tell if they were smart enough to keep up with you). Tired of watching Jacob stare at her from across the room, Julia rigged the system so that they would be grouped together during the next unit. After six months of epic high school dates (bowling, movies... you know the works) and fighting off other suitors (we're desirable people after all), Julia and Jacob enjoyed three years of the type of romance that is particular to young people. As you might remember, this ended in a beautiful proposal: a delicious meal at Cracker Barrel in Wichita Falls, Texas (where Jacob was in Technical Training for the Air Force) where he almost popped the question... but didn't because someone had to leave the restaurant on a stretcher in an ambulance. But not to worry! They were happily engaged a half hour later outside of Julia's hotel room. Ah, young love.

Alas, changing circumstances of those just finding their way in the world and heart breaking choices led to a painful breakup.

While Julia finished her undergrad degree in South Carolina, Jacob served his country in the Air Force. Both were learning important lessons and growing in their faith.

God's perfect timing brought them back together not only when they needed it most, but when each had centered their life around the purpose that Jesus had given them. The first phone call in two and half years revealed that Jacob was stationed in North Carolina only five hours from Julia.

A short reacquaintance established that Julia and Jacob were falling back in love (if either can truly claim they ever fell out -- which we don't). Despite the fact that Jacob's last deployment was quickly approaching, neither could see any point in denying their feelings by postponing a relationship.

Six months and a fourteen hour time difference proved to be the perfect way to get to know one another again as they were forced to practice patience. Bible studies, FaceTime, and God's faithful and sustaining love saw them through a difficult season.

What emerged were two people who loved Jesus more than anyone or anything in the world with a relationship centered around kingdom building and serving others (Romans 12:10).

In June, 2023, Jacob separated from the Air Force and moved to Greenwood, South Carolina where he began earning his degree at Piedmont Technical College for HVAC. In May 2024, Julia will graduate with her Master's in Teaching & Learning Instructional Technology.

We are excited to start this new phase of our lives together and are so thankful that Jesus is steadfast and faithful; He works in mysterious ways according to His wonderful timing!

Our everyday relationship with Jesus is the pillar that allows us to love, sustain, and find joy in one other.

We are so excited to share that love with you.

P.S. Debate of the wedding: Do we count as high school sweethearts?