It all started with a look. Tammy was the Youth Pastor at Mariners Church, and Travis was the new guy on staff at Mariners Mission Viejo. During a visit to Mission Viejo to check out their youth ministry, Tammy and Travis’s eyes met across the room. No words were exchanged—just a solid, notable moment that left both of them thinking, “Hmm, interesting…”

Later that day, Travis casually asked someone, “Hey, who’s that?” But instead of making a move, he played it cool.

Fast forward a few months to the Mariners staff Christmas party. Travis, determined to finally talk to Tammy, spent most of the night plotting his move. After a few near-misses, the moment finally came. They chatted, laughed, and had a great time… and then went their separate ways. Mission: Sort of accomplished.

A few more months passed, and fate (or Instagram) intervened. Travis was speaking at a Mission Viejo youth service and posted about it on his story. Tammy saw it and decided to send a hand-clap emoji 👏 into his DMs. Now, to anyone else, that emoji might seem small, but to Travis, it was a green light the size of Texas. He seized the opportunity, slid right back into her DMs, and the conversation took off. Before long, he asked her out.

Their first date was nothing short of amazing. Tammy describes being picked up by Travis and instantly feeling like she could be herself. The laughter was non-stop, the conversation was effortless, and both of them thought, “I could hang out with this person forever.”

From slow-motion eye contact to DMs and a perfect first date, their story unfolded in a way that could only be described as God’s perfect timing. Tammy and Travis quickly realized they had found “the one.” The one who makes them laugh, who pursues them with love and intention, and most importantly, who shares their love for Jesus.

Now, they’re counting down the days until forever, ready to keep laughing, loving, and serving God together.