It is one of life's greatest mysteries- how is it that one person can go from a total stranger, to THE most important person in your existence? It's honestly astonishing to think about. One day you're happily content with the way your life is going, not expecting that the very next day, you will meet the person that completes you; changing your life forever.

Coffee has always been a common interest of ours; not just the drink itself, but the act of it- making time out of our busy lives to meet up with a friend at a cafe, or going solo to enjoy the atmosphere, the music, the smell and sound of it brewing. It's one of those things that we always look forward to.

That is where our story begins, at a little cafe in downtown Bay City, named Harless + Hugh. Mitchell and I had been messaging each other back and forth on Facebook for a few days, when he finally asked to meet me.

I remember that day as if it was yesterday. I walked into the coffee shop, and Mitchell had already arrived and was waiting for me. He was leaning over the counter, chatting with the barista, and he looked over, our eyes meeting. I remember feeling a rush of contentment, this fortunate stroke of serendipity. In that moment, everything in an instant made sense- every twist and turn in my life, every setback, every heartache, every choice led me to that beautiful day in July, led me to my soulmate, my home.

A date that I thought would last an hour or two, lasted until the sun went down. We talked about everything and anything- we went from coffee, to ice cream, to sitting by the water at Wenonah Park. It was perfect! Absolute magic. We instantly connected, like we had been waiting for each other all of our lives; a perfect first brush stroke to a beautiful painting.

I think back on that day often, and how simple, yet monumental it truly was in the grand scheme of our lives. It led to so much happiness, so much adventure, accomplishments, and growing for both of us. The best part of meeting in your early twenties, is that you get to grow up together- we were still young, but had the freedom to explore; explore different college majors, explore different cities, and exploring our purpose individually and together . During all of these times, we had each other to lean on during struggles, and to experience each other's triumphs and joys. I would not trade any of those moments for the world, as each one was a meaningful stepping stone, leading us to where we are and the people we have become today.

Fast forward seven years later, Mitchell proposed at the very cafe that we first met in- a full circle if you will! No little detail was left out; Mitchell planned it all down to the candles glowing and our old college playlist in the background. It was beautiful, timeless, and again, absolute magic, just like the day that we met.

Let the wedding bells ring, and the wedded bliss flourish! I'm so elated to experience all of the wondrous things that God has in store for our wedding day, and most importantly, our marriage.