Alex and I met through the dating app, Hinge and had our first date on Dec. 13th, 2021. Our first date was at Starbucks, I know all of you are shocked right now! The very first interaction was one for the books where I went in for a hug and Alex went in for a handshake. We talked for hours about the Colts, the World Race, our families, our faith and my love for coffee.

Five dates and a month later, on January 5th we decided to be “exclusive.” I say that because I had no idea we were boyfriend and girlfriend till 3 days later…. I’m sure if you are reading this you are laughing or thinking to yourself, “oh Shelby”….

So on January 8th while walking with my Mom in South Carolina I put together that I now had a boyfriend.

As the months went on, Alex and I spent a lot of time together, played games, watched March madness, found a church together and started to make sweet memories with our families and friends. As any relationship we had our moments and hard conversations to walk through. One of my favorite things about our relationship is that very early on we explained to each other that communication is something we both value. That value I believe is what made me fall pretty quickly for Alex. I won’t speak for him, but I think he would say the same. A value that has and continues to grow our relationship.

Fast forward a year and-a-half later and Alex surprised me on a dock in South Carolina and asked me to marry him. It was better than I could have ever imagined. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true. Now we are planning a wedding, we are new pet parents to a super cute and energetic pup named Maverick and are doing our best to stay present and enjoy this season of engagement.

We are about 6 months out from our wedding and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with our family and friends this love that Alex and I truly believe was something only God could put together!

God has shown us both in our own stories that He can redeem all things and works all things out for our good. If you would have told me ten years ago that this would be the story that God was writing I probably would have done everything in my power to get to it as quickly as possible. Thank goodness God is patient and kind because I don’t believe I would have been ready for an earthly love like this. God had to work on us and heal areas in our lives and hearts before we could have ever made that decision to step foot in that Starbucks two years ago.

I hope as you have read you laughed a little, got teary eyed, and also have heard the goodness and kindness of God through our story. I wouldn’t be writing this if it wasn’t for Him.

*Jeremiah 29:11

I love you all and I will see you on July 13th of this year!!

- Shelby Loree