Bryce and Marlene met in the year of 2018. They had always hung out in groups. This allowed them to get to know each other through time and grow individually. Bryce was always very intentional about being around me. With his winsome smile and great personality, we ended up becoming great friends.

This wonderful man would FaceTime Marlene every chance he got, even when Marlene was traveling to Florida like in this picture, before they were dating. Marlene didn't know this, but every time Bryce would get back from an underway, he would stay in touch with her and see how she was doing to keep their relationship intact.

Before Marlene and Bryce were official, friends they were. Marlene bought Bryce ice cream sandwiches for his birthday. And a troll doll that isn't photographed ( this is a week before they started dating). The two of them talked about the vision that they had for their lives and their relationship at Pacific Beach. Bryce came up with, "Love God, by putting him first, and evangelizing the world." Needless to say, Marlene found something she could stand behind and absolutely loves this man.

Bryce Kindt asks Marlene out officially. It wasn't easy. Marlene was not willing to date during the year 2020 due to an internship with her church. She was dedicating a year to God. Bryce, being a friend for two years at this point, had his ways with her. After 5 weeks of prayer, with permission from Marlene's internship supervisor and the director, they believed the Lord was leading them into a relationship. Marlene said yes the second time he asked. <3

Marlene would take Bryce around the San Diego area to explore because the sailor was unaware of the beautiful city he was in. Always under the ocean, he never got the chance to explore very much. This is Bryce at La Jolla Cove. The Maryland grown sailor detests parking and could not find a spot for almost half an hour. Marlene found parking within five minutes of arriving (ladies first <3). The man of God comes around to pick Marlene up and asks what she wants to do. Marlene always has confidence that the Lord knows she is coming. She reminded him God knows that they are here. The two of them found a parking spot right in front. Many cars passed by this spot. (favor ain't fair). The Lord is good.

Bryce got to spend the Christmas season with Marlene's family. It was beautiful to see the way that he got along with everyone. This is a photo of the couple hiking with Marlene's large immediate family.

Bryce and Marlene would go to friend's homes and hang out. This is the new year. They got to start the year 2021 together; just being silly before Bryce would go on a two month underway.

Bryce and Marlene got engaged! Bryce made the trek to 29 Palms . Earlier in the week, he did the right thing and got her father's approval. He surprises her with his presence and asks her what her favorite places in 29 Palms were. Marlene would hike the 49 Palms trail almost weekly and tells him her options. The two of them get to the trail head and are overlooking the city between two mountains. Bryce reminds Marlene that she is his best friend; that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. Then he pops the question!

This is the trailhead of 49 Palms Oasis in 29 Palms, CA. Marlene said "Yes!". She practically tripped over a rock when she was stepping backwards realizing what was unfolding. Their lives are forever changed.

Bryce would remind Marlene that she was loved even though she knows he has to leave to be under the ocean for 6 more months of sea-duty. He promised that this would be the last 6 months he would be deployed. For shore-duty, he will have the rest of his Navy career on land; Marlene is grateful sea-duty is almost over.

The handsome guy would FaceTime Marlene when she was living in 29 Palms and he was in San Diego.

As the sailor pulls out to sea, with anticipation and hope, the two best friends undergo the test of distance. Yay for fondness! (Optimism)