From Sydney Reagan's Perspective:

Josh is persistant and a true picture of what it means to pursue with love, and intention, and the Gospel. Because of him, I know Christ better.

Josh and I met through small group at Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia, SC in January of 2022. We were friends for a long while before we started officially dating in March of 2023, and more often than not we found ourselves as the only two single people in a room full of couples. I think this is why we were paired together a lot. At the time of our friendship, I never would have admitted that I had ever considered what it would be like to date Joshua Cook. But, of course, he was one of the single guys in my life, so it had crossed my mind. Having never been in an official relationship before, I found myself scared to open up and love and admit my feelings, but I am so thankful Josh never got tired of the pursuit and never let my fear stand in his way.

Josh and I got to know each other through group hang outs more than anything, but in December 2022, he started talking to me a little bit more intentionally and one-on-one. I definitley noticed the change, but again, would deny that to myself and everyone else for the longest time. In February 2023, he officially asked me on a date, and out of fear and hesitation, I reluctantly said no. We had never hung out just the two of us, until the day after he asked me on a date. We started running together almost every single day, training for the Cooper River Bridge Run. I had never run with another person, so most people will tell you this is when they knew Josh meant something different to me. After about two weeks of running with him, and getting to know him more deeply through our 4-mile long talks, I couldnt take it any longer. I deeply regretted turning down a date with this man. So, in the middle of a 6am run I blurted out that I had made a mistake, I was sorry, and if Josh was still interested I would love the chance to go on a date with him. The next few moments were so full of excitment and joy and shock - Josh stopped running and exclaimed yes, of course! and then we finished our run like nothing ever happened. The rest is pretty much history. We started officially dating on March 31, 2023. I knew pretty quickly I loved Josh in a way that was different, and more deeply than I had ever loved before. He was so intentional and patient and kind. He was always in tune with my needs and has served me so well from the beginning. After about 5 months of dating I knew this was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. He is the one I always prayed for. We dated for 1.5 years before getting engaged, and then Josh proposed on November 24, 2024. He took me on the most romantic and fun scavenger hunt to all of our favorite places in Columbia, SC. It was the sweetest day, and I cant wait to continue celebrating our love and all God has for us on our wedding day, and every day after! Thanks for celebrating with us!!