If you ask Preston...

Maddie and I first met as neighbors in our college apartment building. As far as I know, her roommates and her knew me through my sister, so they built up the courage to knock on my door and ask me to hang their curtain rod. Over the next few months, my roommates and I slowly became friends with Maddie and her roommates. Over those months, the Lord taught me a lot about what was important in a Jesus-centered, intentional relationship. Also, over those months, Maddie kept doing and saying random little things in faith, obedience, and boldness that I would notice and think, “Hmm, she seems pretty legit.” Before long, I couldn't wait to learn more about her, so group hangouts turned into just the two of us (because everyone else canceled one time). We have pretty much been inseparable since the first time we hung out together (shout-out to Ristretto and her friends for canceling). This was right before Christmas break, and I could not fathom going on break without her first knowing how I felt. So after asking my sister if it was too soon to ask Maddie on a date and her saying that it was, I asked Maddie on a date right before Christmas break. She said something along the lines of, “Yes, but not until after break.” The date happened, and many more followed over the next few months until finally it was time. So after asking my sister if I should ask Maddie to be my girlfriend on Leap Day and her saying no, I took Maddie to Lucy's and asked her to be my girlfriend on Leap Day 2024. The Lord has been so kind and has healed me of so much through Maddie. She loves unconditionally and is loyal beyond comprehension. If anyone sees good in me, I hope you first see Jesus Christ, and then know that without my hand nailed to Maddie's, I'd be half the man I am.

If you asked Maddie...

Preston has been an answered prayer from the very beginning, and his love has been the sweetest reflection of Christ’s love for His church. As my roommates and I moved into our apartment for sophomore year, we heard that our neighbor was an older Alpha Gam’s brother. After our parents left, my roommates and I were left to hang the curtains by ourselves. Struggling through many failed attempts, we decided to knock on the boys’ door and ask for help. Preston saved the day and not only helped hang our curtain, but also made sure to thoroughly teach us how to do it—and I think that explains him in a nutshell. Over the next few months, we got to know the boys across the hall pretty well. Random interactions—borrowing salt or asking for ice—turned into friendships that genuinely changed our lives. I remember telling my roommate second semester that I wanted to “crack” Preston. He quickly caught my attention with his calming spirit, quiet demeanor, and extremely wise and mature nature. I could tell Preston was the kind of guy who was hard to find—someone who strayed from what the world wanted him to be and clung fervently to who Christ called him to be. He has always been kind, gentle, humble, lowley, and attentive to even the tiniest details. Towards the end of first semester, I developed a little crush on Preston but was so scared to ruin a friendship that meant so much to me. We hung out a few times to study or grab lunch, and through those random days I began to understand Preston’s heart and make sense of who he truly was. Right before Christmas break, Preston asked me out on a date. I was so nervous and told him to ask me again when we got back for spring semester—and praise God, that didn’t scare him off. Coming back after break, I was so expectant for what the Lord had in store. Preston and I went on our first date on January 12, 2024, and we have been inseparable ever since. The Lord’s hand over our entire relationship has been so evident from the very beginning. I know the Lord deeper and more intentionally because of Preston, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life serving our Heavenly Father with Preston right by my side.