Asking someone who writes for a living to be short and sweet while talking about how we met is a tough task. You see, I won’t call it love at first sight, but I would say more like love at first interaction. I met Logan through a young adult group at church, which I was invited to by a co-worker (thank you Olivianna!) While it took me a few weeks to get up the courage to talk to the cute blonde sitting at the table, I eventually did. We became friends quickly, bonding over trivia with the church group at Buffalo Wild Wings and stories of our quirky childhoods. I DEFINITELY fell first, and remember talking to Olivianna frequently about how much I liked her friend. I even made her come out to lunch with Logan, my sister, brother-in-law, and I to make sure he got family approval before I asked him out on a date (though he will argue to this day it was not a date). I’ll never forget how nervous I was on that day because I so badly wanted to date Logan. While it took some very direct hints, and a few weeks, Logan eventually realized I liked him, and asked me on a date.

On February 11, 2023, Logan showed up to my apartment dressed to the nines and took me out on our first “official” date. The night went by in a flash, and suddenly, I wasn’t nervous anymore. He was everything I had wished for and prayed for. His compassion, determination, and patience made him the perfect fit in my life. I won’t make this a full novel and detail the milestones we’ve hit or all of my favorite memories, but I will say: everything happens for a reason and God is so good. While I swore I would move to Decatur for 2 years to get my start in news and then return to Grand Rapids, He had bigger and better plans for me. I met the person I am so excited to live the rest of my life with. To everyone who has been with us on this journey, who has prayed over us and with us, who has supported us and encouraged us in our relationship, thank you so much. We are so excited to start this next chapter of life together with you all by our sides.

On February 11, 2023 I showed up to Carlee’s apartment for our first date :)

We had an amazing time. We connected even more than we had anticipated and truly enjoyed each other’s company without it feeling forced.

Afterwards, I dropped her back off and I felt two very strong emotions: 1. Excited because this girl was amazing and it was a successful date, and 2. An overwhelming feeling of confidence knowing that she was the one I am supposed to be with for the rest of my life.

I had been praying for so long that I would be with the right person. And not only did God do that, he found the perfect person. We have even more commonalities than what I had realized, to a point that it was a little scary. (We have the same birthday??)

There have been easier and rougher times, but we keep thanking God and those around us though it all for everything. We cannot be more grateful for the community that we are surrounded by that continues to support us through it all.

Knowing that I am going to be marrying the girl I have always wished for is the best feeling in the world. I know that no matter what life throws at us, we will be okay. God has provided, and I know he will again, I cannot wait to spend the rest of my days with my future Carlee Ray.