Our story is a testament to God's perfect plan, perfect timing, and grace. Before Jake and I met, I was convinced I was going to be in a long season of singleness, and Jake had prayed the night before we met that he would meet his future wife soon. We had two completely different mindsets, but little did we know God had the same thing in mind for us! We met during free time at Beach Retreat, an incredible event Second Baptist does every year for our students in Pensacola, Florida. I was a counselor and he was in the band. We were introduced by a mutual friend and only had a brief conversation by the pool, but Jake would tell you it was a very significant conversation for him! The next day was the last day of camp, and we all were heading back to Houston. Jake began to message me on the way home and asked me a very thoughtful question, "What stood out to you this week?" I was intrigued enough to answer, and we began to talk non stop from there. I quickly learned that even though I was unsure about entering into a relationship at this time, that Jake was determined to pursue me no matter how long it took. Thank goodness I let him! In the following weeks we began to get to know each other and on a fateful fourth of July date, I started to realize I had developed feelings for this guy. It wasn't long after this that we made it official and became boyfriend and girlfriend :). Although people at Second Baptist were very excited for us and quickly began asking when we would set a date (perks to working in ministry haha), the Lord had different timing for us. We went on to date over two and a half years before Jake proposed, and will have been together over three years by the time we get married. Even though people didn't understand the wait, I wouldn't have it any other way. We've been through so much together during our seasons of dating and have had our fair share of ups and downs. We've laughed together, cried together, prayed together, fought with each other, questioned each other, and in the Lord's perfect timing, made the decision to marry each other. We've seen the Lord's incredible love and grace in our relationship, and fully believe He's allowed us to date as long as we have to help prepare us for this new adventure we're about to embark on in marriage! We know it won't always be easy, but have seen time and time again that through a reliance on the Lord and trust in His word and promises, we can make it through anything. We pray that the celebration of our marriage is completely centered around Christ, and that He gets all the glory! We can't wait to enter into this covenant before you all in just a few short months!