It all began in the summer of 2019, when we met through a college small group at my house in Magnolia, Texas. As we started planning events together for the group a year later, we became closer friends, quickly realizing how much we truly enjoyed spending time with each other.

Though life took us to different places-me to university in Virginia, and Matthew staying in Texas, we stayed close, writing letters back and forth. When I spent a summer in Ecuador, Matthew even endured months of google translate, as I could only write to him in Spanish, so we wouldn’t have to feel so far apart.

In November 2021, we officially began dating long-distance. With each trip back home and every phone call we fell more in love. Some of my favorite memories are from Matthew’s visits to Virginia when he got to see my world up there for himself- meeting the friends I had told him so much about and making memories in Washington D.C and on chilly hikes through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In 2023, after graduating from Liberty, I moved to Fort Worth to begin PA school. For the first time, we finally got to date in the same city! Sharing everyday life together, rather than describing it over FaceTime, was a gift we didn’t take for granted. From spontaneous coffee dates to adventures at Palo Duro and McDonald’s Observatory, we’ve treasured every moment.

In March 2025, Matthew proposed at Pedernales Falls State Park-the same place his dad proposed to his mom over 30 years ago. Just one week later, we celebrated with a surprise engagement party surrounded by some of the people we love most, from old friends in Magnolia to new ones in Fort Worth.

We are so thankful for the way God has written our story. His timing, grace, and goodness have been present in every chapter. And now, we can’t wait to see what He has in store for us as we enter this new chapter of our lives together!