By Livi


This is our favorite story to tell.


Seth and I grew up 20 miles apart in the Shenandoah Valley with overlapping friend groups. While we never said a word to each other, our paths did cross once or twice. In high school, we weaved in and out of each other’s circles and as proof, we like to reference the first picture below at our friend Abigail’s 16th birthday party. Once, early on in our relationship, I bemoaned the fact that I didn’t meet the Wade family sooner. How could I have lived 24 years without this incredible family in my life? But both Seth and I recognize and rejoice in God’s great kindness towards us, as He providentially knit our lives together in His perfect timing.


A year before we finally met in-person as adults, I heard whispers of “Seth Wade” while I was still living in Kentucky. My dad casually mentioned over the phone one day that a guy named “Seth Wade,” who had mutual friends with me, joined his small group. Later that year, a friend from college and her husband texted me from a wedding they were attending to say that the best man “Seth Wade” claimed to know me.


That spring, my grandpa called my dad to share that he and his neighbor Marlene Groff had just had a fun conversation about their grandchildren. Papa learned that Marlene had, according to her, a wonderful, single, 24-year-old grandson who went over to my dad’s house every other Friday for small group. This gave Papa an idea. “I think he and Livi should go out on a date,” he suggested. Laughing, my dad immediately called and reassured me that he would not set me up with anyone. After hearing about Seth in three different contexts over the course of a year, I finally bumped into him at church over Easter break, and then again in August of 2023, when I moved back to Virginia.


I decided to crash my dad’s small group potluck after church my second weekend home. Prompt and smartly dressed, Seth was the first to arrive…and the last to leave. As the guests filtered out, we stood talking in the doorway and I, unashamedly, explained that I had just moved back to the area and was looking for “friends.” “Let’s hangout sometime!” I suggested, and we exchanged numbers.


As I drove to meet up with Seth the following weekend on August 19th, I didn’t assume it was a date (although I can’t speak for Seth). However, two beers and three hours later, it was becoming clear that we weren’t simply going to be two people who had mutual friends for long. We commiserated over teaching and began to bond over our faith, love for the outdoors and passion for adventure and exploring the world. After that day at the brewery, we tried to see each other as much as possible.


Apart from his blue eyes and the way his entire face lights up when he smiles, some of the first qualities I noticed about Seth was that he is steady, attentive and always game. These attributes quickly won me over and filled me with a sense of peace, gratitude and delight. Our relationship grew steadily and naturally as we did the things we enjoy together: hiking, canoeing, eating Mediterranean food, stargazing, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family. The more time we spent together, the less time we could spend apart.


We joyfully anticipate a lifetime of delighting in one another and delighting in the Lord together. We praise God for His great mercy in bringing us and our families together. Thank you for being a part of our lives! <3