As I finished up my junior year of college at the University of Kentucky in late spring of 2021, a familiar face I’d gone to high school with (but never talked to) reached out to me randomly, asking if I’d help lead his bible study in Loveland for the summer. As we chatted back and forth for a while, I began to wonder if he might like me…my suspicions were confirmed when he asked me on a date!

Matthew and I planned to go hammocking by the Little Miami River. I was so excited to tell my friends about him, expectant about what was to come. I spent the rest of that last week in Lexington praying that at the end of the day, whatever happened, we’d both know the Lord better. God showed me peace that I was certain was God-given. After nervously sitting next to Matthew in church, we had our first date later that week. We set up our hammocks and talked and laughed for hours as we listened to music. After playing catch in the parking lot of the park, one thing led to another…and we found ourselves eating McFlurries and talking about our faith. He drove me home that night and my heart was full of joy. I knew I was in good hands and I knew he was special.

We spent that summer getting to know one another- we served at Branches church together, did our own book club reading about relationships, shared lots of ice cream, and laughed the entire time. As I watched him lead at church, I fell in love with him. My favorite thing about Matthew was how genuine he was and is- easy to trust and quick to love. Fun-loving, strong in who he was, but with a gentle heart.

The next year as I was in my last year at UK and Matthew, his junior year at Univ of Cincinnati, we scheduled many visits to each other. There was so much blessing in Matthew and I getting to be a part of each other’s college lives and forming friendships with one another’s friends. Some of my most treasured memories were during this year- we had so much fun, so many laughs with friends, and I learned so much about Matthew. The more I learned about him the more I saw just how wonderfully he was made. Looking back on that season brings tears to my eyes still as I write this- I think God really showed us his kindness there.

Then the Lord blessed me with admission into vet school at OSU, so our distance the following year was still only 2h. Matthew accomplished so much in his senior year, and I got to see how his leadership qualities impacted me and his classmates. He was and is so steadfast and gracious with me as I adjusted to the challenges of professional school. I got to see him graduate and step into a new chapter up in Columbus near me this summer. Two years of long distance helped me truly appreciate every moment with him.

Our engagement could not have been a sweeter surprise- Matthew thoughtfully planned out such a special day full of family and friends. The ring he picked for me was covered in prayer by our loved ones. As we prepare for marriage, I keep discovering endless reasons to love him. He is kind, thoughtful, selfless, gentle, honest, and he colors my entire world. He always reminds me what truly matters in life. I love him for the man he is now and the man he will become. Forever!

When I was in college, I helped lead a men’s bible study at our local church during the summertime. In the summer of 2021, we needed a women’s leader. My mind went to a beautiful woman whom I knew from high school (but never talked to) because she also attended the church! I reached out and we began to chat. We continued talking and I eventually asked her on a date to go to the local park and hammock.

On our first Sunday home from college for the summer, I arrived at church a few minutes early to save a few seats for my friends. I was able to get in the front row and save two seats next to me. However, my friends were late and Katie was looking for a seat. Her friend Maddy led her over and Katie sat next to me (sorry guys)! That is where it started, worshiping, praying, and learning about our God together. Our first date we planned was the next day- it rained the day before and I was nervous that the trail would be muddy- so I walked the trail before we went to make sure it went smoothly. God opened up so many conversations that night!

That summer I was working with the youth group at the church and Katie began serving as well. I fell in love with Katie when I saw the way that she serves The Lord. Katie is patient, devoted, and generous. Each day she reflects what it says in Proverbs 31. It was the most impactful summer of my life and The Lord worked in incredible ways. Katie and I were able to serve within the church and work through Bible devotionals and Christian books all together this summer. Katie helped show me that I want to become the biblical man that she deserves.

You can’t talk about our story without bringing up the city of Lexington. Lexington has a special place in my heart. At the end of the summer, we tried to find dates that I would be able to come and visit her at the University of Kentucky, and for her to come and visit me in Cincinnati. Katie was in her last year at UK throughout the fall and spring. Lexington is the place where our relationship was cultivated and grew in ways that our God so graciously opened for us. God taught me in that city that there was someone to give rest to my heart and soul, and that was sweet Katie. Yes, Lexington is just a city, but to Katie and I it is a place where God was able to show both of us how our hearts fit each other.

Katie has a special heart, that I can only say is from God, towards animals. We prayed for months and months prior to her acceptance into The Ohio State Veterinary School. In her first year, I was able to witness Katie work towards her passion and what God has put on her heart to become a veterinarian. She has shown and taught me a new level of care for all of creation (Genesis 1:25-28). We spent another year doing semi-long distance which is not ideal, but we can look back and see how much we learned. We were able to grow in our intentionality towards each other and find new ways to connect.

Every season of life brings new challenges, new ways to love, and new ways to serve our God. I am blessed with a woman who speaks, acts, and studies biblical love in 1 Corinthians 13. I love Katie with all of my heart. I pray that I can serve, honor, and cherish her for all the days ahead. I can not wait to be her husband and see what God has planned next for our lives.