To start our story, we'll have to take you back to Kindergarten, where Blake and I probably "met" for the first time on the playground during recess. We have always been right next to each other, both attending the same school from Kindergarten to 12th Grade, and then going on to both graduate from Texas A&M University (Whoop!). But, even though we were always at the same school, our story really begins our junior year of high school. We hope you have fun reading our story from both of our perspectives below!

Natalie's Perspective

During our junior year of high school, Blake and I were in the same section in our yearbook class, meaning we spent a lot of time together working together. Consequently, it did not take long for us to become fast friends. We shared many great memories in that class: pranking various people, laughing a lot, and creating something we were proud of. But you're not reading it wrong when I say we were "just friends", much to Blake's dismay.

Even so, as we moved into our senior year and shared many more classes together, Blake remained one of my great friends. Some things I admired about Blake then were his faithfulness, sincerity, and dedication. Blake had a strong faith in God which shone through not only in the way he spoke and acted, but also in the way he was a steadfast friend. Unfortunately, our senior year was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning we all went home in March and left TCA for good. To keep up with each other we Face-timed all our friends and talked in front yards six feet apart. I cannot tell you the exact moment I knew I liked Blake, but let's just say that going into our freshman year at A&M, we were pretty sure we'd be going on a date that fall.

And come September 2020, we went on the best first date - Blake did such a good job! I knew very quickly that this was something that could last forever. When I think of the early days in our relationship I am reminded of Blake's kindness, thoughtfulness, and silly sense of humor. Fast forward four years of college and dating, and I can confidently say that Blake is my best friend, my biggest encourager, my sunshine on a rainy day, my favorite person in the world to spend time with, and my soon to be husband (!!)

God has truly blessed me with a man who seeks after Himself more than me. I know the love of Christ better because of Blake, and I could not be more excited to see what God has in store for both of us as we enter into marriage together!

Blake's Perspective

Natalie has been the girl of my dreams long before I was even on her radar. We had known each other for a long time, attending the same school throughout our lives, but I only really knew her from a distance. However, I decided to join the yearbook class at our school to avoid doing choir or band. During our junior year of high school, I got to see her love for others, her sweet nature, her passion for everything she did, and her infectious personality. I thought she was the prettiest and most wonderful girl I had ever met.

At the end of our junior year, I decided to try my luck at asking her on a date. Unfortunately, she saw me as a friend at the time. I then spent my senior year trying to convince myself that I would be fine without her, telling myself, "who needs girls anyway?" However, as time went on, I realized there was just no getting over her. We had both decided to go to Texas A&M, and I felt that I had every opportunity to try again; I just needed to work up the courage. I decided that not trying and missing out on her would be much worse than any rejection I could face, so I asked her out again right before college started. This time, she said yes.

Everything since then has been wonderful. She has loved me so well, made me laugh, spent countless hours with me, and made me a better person through her love for me, her love for others, and her love for God. I thank Him every day for placing her in my life, and I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with her! I hope that everyone finds a Natalie - she truly has been one of God’s greatest blessings to me.