Steph and Ian first met in 2017, while working for North Georgia Camp and Retreat Ministries. Over the course of three summers, Steph and Ian built a strong professional relationship. As time went on, and Steph and Ian got to know each other on a more personal level, the began to realize there was something special between them.

Their friends can attest that Steph and Ian complemented one another so well. Steph knew Ian was incredibly supportive of her dreams, and Ian knew Steph was one of the most caring people he had ever met.

Outside a small coffee shop in Sautee Nacoochee, Steph and Ian decided to give a serious relationship a try. For ten months, Steph and Ian grew increasingly closer. Spending time in Dahlonega, Athens, Atlanta, and Moulton, Steph and Ian met each other’s families, introduced one another to old friends, and continued to grow together and grow closer to one another. With time, it became increasingly clear that Steph and Ian were going to be partners for life.

Steph and Ian knew they wanted to get married. Ian knew that he wanted to make the proposal special for Steph and include as many close friends and families as possible, even amidst the challenges of a pandemic. Ian made a plan: To surprise Steph with an outdoor picnic near his family’s cabin in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia.

The stage was set. On August 1st, 2020, Ian got down on one knee and proposed to Steph. Neither one of them quite remembers what was said at that moment, only the happy tears that we shared.

After sharing a glass of wine, Steph and Ian called family to share the good news. Everyone was so happy! From there, Ian and Steph headed back to Dahlonega, Moulton, and Norcross to celebrate with their closest friends and family.

Thus began a season of celebration and preparation, as Steph and Ian started planning for their special day!

After the wedding ceremony and reception, Steph and Ian will travel out West for a week visiting Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks. They will return from their honeymoon trip to Dahlonega, where they are excited to live into married life.

Ian and Steph share a strong passion and commitment for serving others, and look forward to the ways they can partner together to fulfill this calling on their lives.