HOW WE MET
God first began writing our story when Elliana moved to Minnesota in July of 2021 and started attending Justin's home church. That fall, we served on the same worship and leadership team at Rochester Assembly. Our paths crossed multiple times but neither of us suspected what God had in store for our future.
 
THE STORY BEGINS TO UNFOLD
In October of 2022, on a random Sunday afternoon, after a friend was unable to make it and she needed a last minute partner, Elliana invited Justin to play tennis. Justin, intrigued, accepted her offer. A week later, Justin saw and responded to Elliana's public Instagram invite to a Bible Study bonfire. To Elliana's surprise, Justin showed up at the bonfire, and even stayed to chat after everyone else had left.
 
Just over a week later, Justin saw Elliana in the church lobby and walked up to chat. Knowing he did not want to miss his window of opportunity, he boldly said You and I are going on a date this week. Elliana was pretty speechless (a rare occurrence), but managed to agree to a day and time. The next day, on November 7, 2022 we went on our first date to Terza Restaurant in downtown Rochester-the official start of our adventure. After a month and a half of fun filled, and conversation packed dates, Justin asked Elliana to be his girlfriend on December 19, 2022.
 
THE START OF AN ADVENTURE
Throughout the next 18 months, we continued getting to know each other as we went on countless dates, attended church together, met one another's families and spent time with friends. Some of our favorite memories during this time include day trips to Minneapolis, visits to see Elliana's family in Iowa, Sunday afternoon lunches with Justin's family and countless hiking, pickleball and star gazing dates.
 
THE PROPOSAL
On May 5, 2024 Justin picked Elliana up for dinner. Completely unaware of what the night would hold, Elliana suggested a short walk downtown after dinner. Justin, on the other hand had other plans, and suggested they go on a walk at one of our favorite spots-Quarry Hill. Upon arriving, Elliana still had no idea what was about to unfold as Justin took her up to our special spot. After a bit of talking, Justin decided it was time. He got down on one knee and proposed. Elliana (very surprised the moment she had dreamed about was finally happening) happily said yes! Justin had secretly planned to have his brothers, Brian and Kevin, hiding in the trees where they snapped pictures of our sweet moment!
 
THE START OF OUR NEXT CHAPTER
We are so excited to begin our journey as husband and wife! We look forward to having you share in our special day on December 7, 2024.
 

Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Urbandale Des Moines, an IHG Hotel

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