Our story, as Kristen says, is from the hand of God...And He works in mysterious ways: Coincidence, Failure, Hope, and Trust.

Part 1. Coincidence

Before we met, Kristen sang in Brad & Elizabeth's wedding as an Father Gabriel Richard (FGR) Madrigal choir girl. Elizabeth was also a former FGR Madrigal. But the crossovers don't stop. Brad, my Brother, was a Math teacher for FGR, scaring his students stiff after blasting "The Good the Bad & the Ugly" before pop quizzes. Kristen's sister, Mikaela, was one of his best students. The coincidences were obvious, if only I could see it.

Part 2. Failure

I would love to say that Kristen & I started dating after our drive up to Michigan and back. I would love to say I got the hint when she said she "Loves coffee". I would also love to say I realized I was the only guy she invited to her roommate's Pasta and Prayer parties. I was two years too late. Bummer.

Part 3. Hope

By May of 2021, classes at Dayton were wrapping up for summer break and my roommate, Mike, egged me on to call Kristen. This after reminiscing on and on about her kindness, beauty, and our connection. (Thank you Mike!) Later next week, I prepared for the cold call. Deep breaths. No going back. The phone rang once. Twice. Then a familiar voice appeared. Kristen. We talked for what seemed like ages about life after graduation, Dayton memories, and my ongoing classes. By the end of the call, I mentioned that I would be in Michigan soon celebrating a birthday party for Elanor, my niece & God-child. I then asked Kristen out for Ice-cream for that same weekend. She accepted.

Part 4. Trust

Our 1st date was one of the best. We chatted for hours at the soccer park. No nerves. No jitters. Just friends falling in love. We kept going out the whole summer of '21: fruit dates, zoo dates, family game nights, and campouts. For the Fall Semester we decided to call every other day and write letters. I still keep them. We didn't stop until I moved up to Detroit and asked Kristen's parents for her hand in marriage.

Our path together was not perfect. However, we never gave up on each other and built our relationship around Family, Friends, and God inside the Church. We continue forward each day in preparation of our faithful, fruitful, and lifelong marriage.