Eden and Thaddaeus’ story is one of God’s perfect timing. They first crossed paths in high school. Thaddaeus, a year older, quietly admired Eden for years but never said anything.

Their high school years were shaped by Covid. They shared mutual friends and even had an online class together, but they never truly connected. Both dated other people and now see they weren’t ready.

Years later, God brought them together in a way neither expected. They matched on Upward, the Christian dating app Eden never thought she’d use, and the one Thaddaeus’ mom made him download.

Eden had just moved back home after living with her grandma during chronic health struggles. She hesitated to meet someone, but Thaddaeus arrived at the perfect moment and quickly became important.

They connected deeply from the start, texting, calling, and FaceTiming almost daily. Thaddaeus lived in Dayton and Eden in Columbus, but both later saw how God had prepared them individually first.

Their first date was on October 26, 2024. Eden was nervous, but Thaddaeus calmed her with flowers and prayer. They spent the day together, laughing, watching a movie, and wandering Barnes and Noble.

Finding bride and groom booklets made them smile, a sweet sign of their hearts. Soon after, Eden struggled, and Thaddaeus proved his character by driving an hour in the night just to be with her.

In the IHOP parking lot, Eden opened up like never before. Thaddaeus listened, pointed her to God, and made her feel safe. Even their server, Benita, encouraged her with words led by the Spirit.

That week they spent more time together—coffee shop Bible studies, young adult groups, and moments that felt like a movie. They kissed, prayed through boundaries, and soon Thaddaeus said “I love you.”

He explained love as action, like Jesus shows. Eden felt the same and said it back, seeing his face light up. In that moment she felt cherished and certain he was the man she would someday marry.

They shared sweet memories singing and worshipping together, with a guitar or in the car. These moments drew them closer to God and each other, making worship a lasting part of their relationship.

Their love grew through fun days at Cedar Point and hard challenges like health issues, moving, and even cleaning mold from Thaddaeus’ belongings. Through it all, he felt called by God to love Eden.

Eden faced the deep grief of losing her dad, and Thaddaeus walked with her in patience and compassion. He became her steady place, always pointing her to Christ in some of her heaviest moments.

Eden showed grace and helped Thaddaeus learn to call on God again and again. He loved getting to know her family, and Eden loved being welcomed into his, sharing holidays and cherished traditions.

During this time, Thaddaeus became Worship Director at Contrast Church. Eden felt called to follow him there, and together they found a loving church family that supported their growing relationship.

They believe their story proves God’s timing is perfect—never early, never late. Every challenge deepened their faith and love. Now they look to the future with gratitude, ready to become husband and wife.