It all started the first week of school at IUPUI, I was invited by my roommates to check out Christian Student Fellowship also known as CSF. A boy was telling his story of faith in front of a large group of students. His vulnerability was striking and his struggles were rattling. He was incredibly handsome but I didn't give much mind to that. My roommate, Mo and I followed him on Instagram to check out the book he had written to give hope to the lost, that no matter how broken you are Christ can save you and heal you if you will give your life to him and repent of your sins. My friend Rachel mentioned we would be cute together but that was crazy talk.

6 months later, as part of the women's basketball team we made it to the NCAA tourney that year. For some reason Derek sent me a Good luck message. The conversation started from there and I mean we had the deepest, funniest, most meaningful conversations. Neither of us know how to flirt so it was hard to tell where this was going. Then one day we decided to meet up for a quick coffee date that ended up being 4 awesome hours. Needless to say, I sprinted out of Starbucks and hardley said goodbye because I was late for a team meeting. Derek was a bit confused and figured I didn't like him very much but soon figured out I'm awkward, that's just me! From that point on, we've grown closer and closer and one of our greatest joys is simply being by each other's side.

April 15, 2022 was the day we began dating. Might I add that Derek woke up at 4am to buy me flowers and drive into the heart of downtown Indy to do a basketball workout with me at the YMCA just so he could ask me out face to face. We still remember that moment our lives changed in the best way imaginable. Not knowing what we were getting ourselves into but knowing that God placed us together, we felt so blessed and those feelings are alive and well today and always. "Then the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." (Genesis 2:18)

It is purely the joy of spending time together, hearing one another's voice and delighting in the Lord together that made us pursue the beautiful union of marriage. July 2, 2023 was the date of our engagement and what a special moment it was for us to make that faithful commitment to each other in front of our family and friends. Our story of love is to be continued and we are both honored and blessed to share the wedding day with you all!

"So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." (Matthew 19:6)