When people ask us how we met, the simple answer is: church. But there really is so much more to our story.

I (Quinn) was working in the church office at the time and preparing to move overseas for the next two years. Alec came into the office because he wanted to chat with our pastor. This was the first time we officially met.

Soon after is what Alec would see as a pivotal moment in our relationship (which hadn't even started yet!). We were both invited to see a movie and our tickets sat us right next to each other. I don't even remember the movie because the boy just kept talking to me the whole time! I didn't mind. He asked me if I was a dog person and when I said yes I think I won some serious points there. He also didn't have his wallet, so now we joke around that I paid for our "first date". We also joke around that our pastor set us up, since he was the one who invited us both to the movie.

When Alec invited me out for coffee, just the two of us, my thoughts were still of friendship since I would be leaving the country soon. But after over five hours of conversation, sharing life stories, and a sweet hug after walking to my car... I didn't know how to stop smiling.

But there's a problem. I'm leaving. Alec knows this. What is going on?

After another five hour conversation, this time filled with questions and fears and hope, we decided ok. Let's see where this goes. I'll never forget the words Alec said which gave me courage and showed me his character of genuinity and intention from the start, "If we become serious, then we'll have a long-distance relationship. We can't make our choice based on fear."

This is exactly what happened. We fell in love (fast) and God gave us both the opportunity to sacrifice way more than originally planned - To be apart, on separate continents, for the next two-plus years.

Granted, we had breaks here and there. Between my visa issues and Alec's trips during the off-season, God was gracious to give us time in between to be together. Our relationship grew while together, and also while apart.

Our story so far is filled with so much emotion. It was the most difficult thing to be apart for so long, but we had so many fun times and adventures together. We wouldn't change a thing.

We grew to a place of knowing we have to get married. Yes, we were (and still are!) so in love, but we also knew we wanted to honor God and serve Him. We grew to understand that for us, this is a way we can serve God's kingdom. To start a life together. Anything else outside of this idea just doesn't seem right.

We'll admit, we thought many times about eloping haha. But it is on our hearts to celebrate our marriage with you. Alec especially gets a twinkle in his eye thinking about the idea of all the people we love under the same roof. "What other time would we ever be able to do this in our lifetime?"

We are so thrilled to have you be a part of the beginning of our lives together.