Wedding Day

Storie Property

Ceremony

Storie property

Reception

Our Wedding

One day in April of 2024, Rebecca got a text from her friend with this picture above. Friend’s hubby had taken this sneaky pic of Sam, and then sent it to his wife, who sent it to Rebecca. As a cute joke, friend’s hubby told his wife, “guess who’s at my table? Rebecca’s husband.” Ha. I guess friend’s hubby was right! Rebecca thought the red bearded Viking of a man was handsome and asked about him for a few months while friend’s hubby vetted him.

Rebecca’s Pre-Story

Initially starting out last year with a single goal of setting out to find my wife, I had reached a crucial breaking point. I remember that I was tired of seamlessly making bad choices and decisions in my life, as well as was heavily discouraged about the dating pool. At some point in March or April, I remember telling God I was done doing things my way. I wasn’t going to keep looking for a wife, just fully chase after Him. There was a men’s group that was advertised at Lake Church called “Betterman”. I had attended a couple nights where my heart and stance had softened and shifted. My desire for a wife came back. So I started talking to God about it in my mornings with Him. Not long after that, I was approached by our table group leader during a betterman conference, who unbeknownst to me, had been secretly taking pictures of me and was investigating me for Rebecca. He told me about her, and I remember thinking as we were talking, “God, that was quick!”.

Sam’s Pre-Story

We started texting on a Sunday in June, while I was on a run. I couldn’t wait to get to know this viking! I finished my run quickly so that I could message with him. We didn’t want to waste any time so we decided to meet at Cha Cha’s Mexican restaurant just a few days later. It was definitely a date. He paid! Ha. I ordered something spectacular and wound up sharing my food with Sam because his wasn’t super great. I liked him. He was a gentleman, he was polite and sweet, he had a great smile and made me giggle. We had nice conversation and I left the restaurant wanting more. He walked me to my car and I smiled as I watched his shiny head walk to his truck in the moonlight. It was definitely our first date.

The First Date according to Rebecca 

On Sunday, June 2nd, we started texting. Then on June 5th, she told me she did good on her practical interview. I saw an opportunity to casually ask her out, disguised as a celebration. We met up at Cha Cha’s Mexican Restaurant that night. I didn’t think it was our first date. It was sweet, light hearted, no expectations, lots of talking. She was right about the better tasting food. From then on, it was downhill for me.

“It wasn’t our First Date”, thought Sam 

I have been praying for my husband for over 10 years. I was tired of what I was finding on dating sites, even the “Christian” sites and in-person wasn’t much better. Too many wolves, barbarians, and weirdos. I’ve often joked that I could write a book of all the odd and scary dates I’ve been on. I had surrendered to the idea that maybe God didn’t want me to remarry. Maybe I was meant to be “alone,” although we are never truly alone when we have Jesus. But I still longed for a husband and father for my girl. Insert Samuel. When we started dating I had no idea God was about to answer my long lived prayers. Dating Sam has been fun, refreshing and sometimes challenging. I’ve been challenging. Ha. We have had amazing times and we’ve also already had to work through some difficult stuff. He has been patient and kind as we have worked through the hard stuff and we are able to come together in those moments because of our love for the Lord and commitment to each other. That’s when I knew for sure about Samuel. No person or relationship is perfect. But picking a person who can love with patience, kindness and endurance, pray together and not give up, that is what makes a relationship great.  Not only does he completely love Jesus, he also loves and adores me and cherishes my daughter as well. I am so thrilled to be marrying the love of my life, the man that still gives me butterflies when I hear his name, the man that is ready to step into the role of a father, the man who has won my heart.

Dating Sam and Beyond!

Dating Rebecca has been a roller coaster of emotions, growth, and a growing love and appreciation. After many years of short lived dating relationships, I have found the one my soul loves. Actually I didn’t find her, God brought her to me. All it took was for me to recommit to God, and start talking to Him and seeking a deeper relationship with Him. Since June of last year, my life has been forever changed by this wonderful woman, her daughter, and her parents. My life has never been more rich and blessed than I am right now. I look forward to forever with her, continuing to date into our 100’s, and continuing to learn and grow more closely with her, and God.

Dating Rebecca

When my Mama said her friend could have found someone for her, as always I got excited, even though she told me not to get excited, because she would have to get to know him. Then they went on a date and she came home and her cheeks were pink. (That meant she liked him.) After they dated for a while, she said “this might be the one for us,”  and ever since she has been in love with Sam Sam. He is kind and loving and he cares for me and my Mom and Grammy. And he is so funny and I can’t wait for him to be my daddy.

Rebecca & Samuel

Rebecca & Samuel

R&S