In the fall of 2022, Karis found herself in desperate need of a trailer for a homecoming float for an Oklahoma State organization. After asking nearly everyone she knew, a friend suggested reaching out to a farrier who was also in College Life, their shared college ministry. Little did Weston or Karis know that this introduction would ultimately become more than a week-long trailer exchange.

Over the next semester, they spent hours sitting in the Edmon Low library at a table with other friends from College Life. Both frequently found excuses to talk to one another, starting conversations over crossword puzzles and theological discussions. Karis was continually impressed by the depth of Weston's relationship with the Lord, the steadiness of his character, and his constant desire to serve those around him. Weston, meanwhile, took notice of Karis’s wisdom, grace, and kindness to those around her, and began to harbor feelings for her. Through long conversations over many topics, he was able to see her heart for The Lord and those around her in greater detail, and he became impressed with the thoughtful, artistic way she viewed the world and her faith. His interest in her artistic skills (and his interest in finding any excuse to get to know her better) prompted him to ask her to paint a design on his graduation cap, which she did. Unfortunately, Karis was unaware of the fact that graduation caps have different sides, so the design was painted facing to the left. However, Weston thought that it was hilarious and described it as a very fitting description of his college experience; "beautiful but a little sideways."

Since Weston was a senior, he decided to wait before asking Karis out, fearing that both his leadership role in College Life and the uncertainty of his plans after graduating from OSU would have a negative impact on a potential relationship. However, after committing to pursue a master's degree in International Agriculture at OSU and graduating from his role within the ministry, Weston decided to ask Karis out after that summer.

At a crowded dance hall in Stillwater, Weston asked Karis to dance and took that opportunity to ask her to coffee. That coffee led to a first date, which soon led to a relationship.

Their many adventures as a couple have included many concerts, a few road trips (including Colorado and New Mexico), eating too many meals at the local taco truck, and stargazing and sunset-watching expeditions at the Lake Carl Blackwell Dam.

Weston proposed on October 25th at the same dam during a sunset. The next day, their family and friends rejoiced with them at an engagement party at Countryside Church.

After the wedding, they plan on staying in Stillwater for Karis's master's program in speech pathology, while Weston will work full-time on his family's farm. They are looking forward to discovering the path that the Lord has for them in both Stillwater and beyond!

Two birds—a barn swallow and a scissortail—are significant in Karis and Weston's wedding theme. Both symbolize home for them in different ways. Karis grew up seeing barn swallows fly over Chinese baseball fields, while scissortails frequent Weston's family's farm and represent Oklahoma's history. Incorporating these birds into their wedding celebrates their individual roots and the union of their stories.

Wedding Day

We cannot wait to celebrate with each of you!