Well where do we start with a story like ours?

I guess the best place to start would be from the very beginning around 1997-2000. We both grew up going to the same church for a few years when we were really little. We personally didn't know each other during that time frame but our families knew each other and we hung out with the same people during this time.

Fast forward to 2015, Mandy was working at Barberitoes in Johnson City. Every once in a while Blake would come in to order food and started noticing this beautiful girl working the cash register. He finally realized who she was by pulling out an old church directory from 1998 and decided to make a move by adding her on social media. This initially didn't go anywhere as she was reluctant to accept a stranger. Fast forward another 6 years to 2021 and Blake decided to make another move on social media and the conversation finally got started.

We've had our ups and downs as some of you know, and had to work out some kinks of coming together as an older couple. We were both very independent and established in our ways and have realized the challenge of growing together and in the Lord as we enter into this covenant relationship.

We are grateful for your continued support and friendship in this next chapter for us and we value the counsel and wisdom gleaned from our dear friends and fellow believers.

Thank you for standing by us.