Loftin and Miranda’s love is a tale of two stories—one in the Pacific Northwest of Oregon, and the other 2000 miles away in the Sandhills of North Carolina.

Her Story

Miranda grew up in the countryside of Silverton, Oregon on a farm playing outdoors and tending to animals with her brother. Her dad was a fireman so her mom could stay at home. Miranda gave her life to the Lord at the age of 17 after being invited by a dear friend to youth group. Her relationship with God strengthened over the years through many hardships and trials, leading her to pursue a career that focused on caring for God’s people. So, she enrolled into nursing school, got her education, received her license, and was ready to start. But, there was a tugging on her heart from the Holy Spirit to leave her hometown and friends—to go someplace new to get a fresh start.

Although she was afraid, she remained obedient to the Holy Spirit. Miranda packed all her belongings and moved to the other side of the country in Gastonia, North Carolina. She got a job, made a home, met more friends, and slowly started to build a life for herself out here. Something was missing, however, a special someone to share everything she had built with. Then Loftin came into her life.

His Story

Loftin on the other hand, was a homebody. He grew up in the suburbs of Concord, North Carolina, home to Nascar, several race teams, and the Charlotte motor speedway. He ate, breathed, and slept racing. It was safe to say he lived life in the fast lane! His dad was a land surveyor and his mom stayed home with him and his sister. Throughout his life he moved various times, but never more than 50 miles from where he grew up. Loftin was a bit more hardheaded. He went his own way separate from God for most of his life. He struggled to find meaning and purpose. Until he gave his life to Jesus only 2 years ago. Through months of healing and renewing of his soul, Loftin felt led to pursue a Godly spouse.

Their Story

The thing that Miranda and Loftin both had in common at this point of their lives was timing. God’s timing. They both decided to dabble with the good ole fashioned dating apps. (Both of them are old souls without social media for crying out loud!) The idea of using these apps was terrifying to both of them. But as you can guess, their journey on these apps was a tale of two different stories. Miranda spent a little over a year struggling to find a good match and wondering if a life of singleness may be better. Meanwhile, Loftin spent two hours on the app and matched with Miranda almost instantly.

They went on their first date on March 16th, 2023, and shared an unforgettable second date at Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia the following week. Loftin just so happened to have a trip to Oregon planned before he ever met Miranda. During that trip in June, he got to see places that meant something to her. But, he felt the void of her absence. It was at that point he realized he loved her. Loftin shared his feelings with her as soon as he got back from his trip. It took her a few days to catch up, but she quickly realized she, too, felt the same. They decided they wanted to work towards getting married and building a life with each other. Loftin proposed to Miranda on December 4th, 2023 at Rankin Lake Park, the site of their unforgettable second date.

They will be getting married on March 9th, 2024, almost a year to the date of their first meeting. Through all the peaks and valleys of their lives, the distance between them, and the different paths God has taken them down, God has clearly been at work through it all. The covenant Loftin and Miranda will form on that day will bring ultimate glory to God. For it was His goodness and mercy that followed them from the time of their salvation to the present day, and will for the rest of their lives. He has blessed them both with each other as a gift. So that, together, they can form a union and grow closer to God and each other.

Please come join Loftin and Miranda in the celebration of this covenant being formed. May God, the one true creator, and his son Jesus Christ be worshipped in every nation to all ends of the Earth until we are reunited in heaven. For marriage is Gods creation. Before Loftin and Miranda ever get married, God married us all to him! May he be praised forever and ever, Amen!

L&M

Wedding Day

2:00 PM

Ceremony

Reception