Rebecca's side:

Beginning of 2015, our love story unraveled. A story marked with grace and purpose that began at a Panda Express drive thru window . Michael just got done with soccer practice and I had just started my shift at work. Some flirtatious banter was exchanged back and forth over how to use a discount card for some free food. It was like love at first sight. I wrote my number on the back of his receipt. We began messaging that night and he eventually asked me to go on a date with him. It was an incredible first date full of laughter and happiness. I did not expect to meet someone so easy going and full of life. I thought to myself, Wow, he is the one. We were drawn to one another, but that connection was kept at bay until the time was right for us. God was orchestrating something wonderful and I had no idea.

When he moved back home from college in 2019, we finally gave us a shot. After a couple weeks, he asked me to be his girlfriend. Four years of memories later and we’ve hiked the tallest mountain in Colorado, renovated a home, and introduced the cutest little pup to our family. Throughout those years we grew in love, trust, and friendship. He opened me up to new possibilities and understanding. A life full of adventure and love. A few months ago Michael finally popped the question after rushing me up a mountain (hill to Michael) in Kentucky. I of course said yes! God’s timing is a mysterious thing and it doesn’t always make sense. However, sometimes it is very clear when you reflect on situations in your life. Only by the grace of God did we end up here, and only by His strength and provision are we able to build a strong, joyful marriage. We were made for God first, then for each other. I cannot wait for this exciting new chapter to begin!

Ruth 1:16-17: And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall by my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

Michael's side:

Way back in 2015 (definitely didn't copy the year from Becca's portion), the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen gave me her number in the Panda Express drive through, talk about a power move. All I wanted was a meal and I ended up with a hiking partner, lifelong best friend, and now a wife. Through God's providence we decided to finally give it a shot when I returned from Iowa, and it's been a big adventure ever since. Whether she's climbing mountains or sailing oceans she always has a smile on her face, and her passion and love for living her life motivates me each day. Since that moment we've had countless adventures together, and I've had the genuine honor of experiencing life with her by my side. I even got her a puppy (begrudgingly at first) that soon became our third adventure buddy. Finally, in April 2023, we went on a hike in the Red River Gorge. Needless to say I was breathing hard for a different reason (it was only a hill), and at the top she agreed to marry me. The whole way up I was looking back on our story.

One thing in particular stood out to me, Rebecca's growth with God. Over the past four years, I've watched her prioritize her relationship with God. I watched her read the Word, pray when she thought I wasn't looking, and I'll never forget the first time she told me she saw God's work in her life. Hearing her witness at every opportunity, watching her take notes in church, some things simply don't ever get old. I can't wait to build on that foundation, and create a marriage reminiscent of Christ and his church.

As we move onto the next chapter in our lives, I look forward to the many many adventures the future will hold. I can't wait to continue living life with my best friend, and to watch her expand into yet more roles: teacher, wife, mother. So much is yet to come and I'm thankful to God for his continued blessings on our lives as individuals, and soon as one.

Proverbs 3:15-17: She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; And in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.