Hi all, this is Ethan. This is my contribution to the wedding page. Many of you who are reading this know, planning and coordinating is not my specialty. So, the only way I could meaningfully contribute is by putting words onto paper, in order to convey our love and history to those who have decided to share with us our most precious of days.

Our Story

At the time of their wedding day, Mckenna and Ethan will be eight years, one month, and seven-teen days into their courtship. However, this number is inconsequential. They carry themselves as if they had met only the day before, constantly trying to outperform each other with admiration and compassion. The love they display to one another is only eclipsed by God's love for each of them.

From the first day of highschool, they were immediately infatuated with each other. Exchanging glances in hallways and classrooms. In the few classes they shared, they found themselves nervous to speak with each other. However, as time went on, banter and friendly conversation became commonplace between them. Within a few weeks, they had formed a friendship that extended outside of school grounds which formed the foundation that would be the building place for their foreseeable future. In spite of McKenna's obliviousness, friendly conversation became flirting, and flirting became a one-sided interest from Ethan. So, he came up with a plan that would convey his interest without overextending his true intentions of a date.

In his infinite and unrelenting wisdom. He invited McKenna to a couple's movie night at his house. He stated that his date had canceled on him and he wanted her to go (he never had a date to begin with, nor other couples to attend). He intended for this to be received as a friendly extension that would conceal his true desire to be in a relationship with her. However, this was not the perceived notion. She was, understandably, reluctant to go as the second choice. After some convincing from her friends, she agreed and asked who would be there. Not planning this far, he told her that everyone else had canceled and it would only be them. This understandably concerned her father and they had agreed to just watch a movie at her house (was this manipulative? Yes. Is it embarrassing in hindsight? Yes. But did it work? Yes. You can laugh at me all you want but who's the one getting married eight years later). On that night, October 28th, 2016, they shared their first kiss as a couple.

From then on they were inseparable. The friendship they shared before was only amplified by their newfound respect and love they had for each other. However, diamonds do not come out of the earth ready to be set into a ring. Problems arose when the conversation about the future was presented. Mckenna wanted to be a doctor, and Ethan wanted to join the military. From the beginning, McKenna was forthright about wanting her future husband home for both her and her children. Having a husband in the Military was not an option. This was the biggest crossroads they would face so far. She would tell Ethan that he had to choose between her or the military. To most, this ultimatum seems unfair and selfish. However, this statement would be the cornerstone in their problem solving abilities. She respected herself enough to stand firm in her goals as well as respect him enough to be direct about her intentions. He made the right choice.

Any future arguments or disagreements would become opportunities for growth as communication became more forthcoming and intended for maturation, rather than attacks against one another. Learning this early on is the reason for their love being as strong as it is. Separating passion from logic has given them the ability to communicate their feelings in a way that allows for growth and respect without sacrificing their own hearts. Everyone says that communication is key to a healthy relationship. However, only a select few truly know the meaning behind those words and successfully execute them.

They both knew from day one that marriage was undeniable. They grew and shaped one another into the perfect compliment. From bickering teenagers to slightly less serious bickering adults, they raised each other into the perfect spouses for themselves. Despite what everyone has told them since October 28, 2016, they are perfect for each other, their love is not fleeting, this is not temporary, and they will stand firm when the Devil starts knocking.

There is not enough paper in the world that can fit eight years, one month, and seven-teen days worth of laughs, fights, good, and bad. But one thing can.

“4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;

7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things”

(I Corinthians 13:4-7)

On the surface this is beautiful. However, many do not know its deeper meaning. This first letter to the church in Corinth written by the Apostle Paul was written in greek. The word “love” here is the translation of “agape”. The literal translation of the word “agape” is the love of God. Love that, in spite of our sins and transgressions, will never be taken away. The Lord forgives all sin against Him and does not hold our past against us. No matter what we do, if we love and claim Him to be the King of Kings His love is unconditional. Marriage is outlined in the Bible to resemble the Lord's relationship with his bride, the church. Ethan must promise as a husband is to love, serve, and lead McKenna as Jesus has the church. McKenna must promise as a wife is to love, serve, and be led by Ethan as the church has to Jesus. Ethan may have the final say in every marital decision, he must respect McKenna enough to let her have a voice and have her best interest in mind. Mckenna must trust and respect Ethan to be her advocate and leader in Christ. Time has proven this framework to be the only way a marriage can last and be true to God's will. And that's how it will be.

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