Our first date was not your typical first date. As I was getting ready to walk out the door I told my mom I would be back in about 2 hours. I was excited to meet Michael but didn't have high expectations based on prior experiences from online dating. I WAS SO WRONG! As I pulled into the Cracker Barrel parking lot I see a handsome man with flowers in his hand. Yes, flowers on a first date! Little did I know I was getting ready to meet my future husband. The man God handpicked for me. We sit down to eat lunch together and began to share our stories. After eating, Michael suggests going on a quick hike to Chimney Rock. We were gone for 12 hours. What we thought was going to be a quick first date turned out to be the longest and best first date ever. We met for lunch, went hiking and ended up eating dinner together at Buffalo Wild Wings. When I arrived home my parents were eager to know how the date went. To this day, I remember saying this "Our first date felt like a fairytale." This was the beginning of a beautiful relationship and proof that God's plan is far greater than anything I could have ever dreamed of. And yes I happily said yes to a second date! - Molly's version

Pictured above is our first date photo Molly captured. It was the start of a beautiful relationship. I remember it so vividly and clearly. After sometime of getting to know Molly a little bit over the phone, I was finally going to get to meet her in person. I knew I had to do everything in my power to present my best self and show her the respect she deserves. So, I hopped on my Harley, stopped by the flower shop and met her at a Cracker Barrel close to her home town. What was supposed to be a simple lunch date turned into a 12 hour excursion to mountain side shops and restaurants. In the end, we agreed to be boyfriend and girlfriend and I smiled because she agreed to a second date. -Michael's version

After spending some time getting to know each other, we knew God had lead us to each other for a reason. After years of praying for my future spouse, I knew I had found the one when he had all of the qualities I was looking for in a husband. Spiritual leader, Godly, hardworking, strong yet humble, compassionate, wise and loving. Not to mention how he makes me laugh at least 10 times a day and how handsome he is. Michael checked off all of the boxes I had been consistently praying for. What a blessing and true gift it is to be loved by Michael Joseph Diaz. His love for me exemplifies the love Christ has for the church. See you at the altar officer Diaz! ☻

Prayer changes things. Prior to our engagement, Molly and I were both in very sound positions but both of us wanted more. I was working my way into the police field. Molly was a college graduate just a few years removed who was working a steady job and spending time with her loved ones. Not to mention the fact that we were living almost 2 hours apart. The thing is though, we both somehow had a longing to find our God-given partner and start the infinite journey. So, we prayed and oh boy did God show up. A few dates in, I knew that this is the woman I want to marry. I felt it in my spirit that Molly Aughtry was an answered prayer and that life would be missed without her. I knew that I wanted her to become Molly Diaz. So, I went out and bought a ring and though it felt like there was a thousand nerves to fight through, to the sound of a country love song, I dropped to one knee, speechless and said Molly, life would be missing without you. I love you. Will you marry me? She said yes and my life is now complete.

We celebrated our engagement with some of our closest family and friends. It was a wonderful evening of fellowship, laughter, love and tacos! We will never forget the love and support we felt from our family and friends. We are blessed to be joining each other's family. Special thanks to Joe, Beckie, Susan, Scott, Katie, Millie, Sam, Becca, and Emilia for throwing the most amazing party. We could not have asked for a more perfect night.