Without knowing it, Katherine & Josh both moved to Pittsburgh on January 8th, 2021. They were friends from their time at Wheaton College, but did not think they would see each other again after Josh graduated. Luckily, Katherine had posted her move on Instagram - causing Josh to reach out. Not much later, they were going on hikes together, playing pinball in arcades, and watching TV at 5:00 am before work. Of course, they were just friends, very good friends ;)

As time went on, it was rare that Josh & Katherine did not see each other multiple times a week for several hours at a time. They were both excited to explore Pittsburgh, discuss theology, or snuggle up to watch a movie... as friends do. As the day would go on, Katherine and Josh would reach a point where relationships would be discussed, and Katherine would say, "we're never going to date." It was probably because Josh had already fallen for Katherine, and he made it so obvious that he liked her. With Katherine moving away for grad school in August, it didn't make sense, it would be too hard, and it seemed that the friendship would be facing another goodbye until...

Josh knows the exact moment he fell for Katherine - it was quick and all at once. For Katherine, it took time, but in the best of ways, for timing is everything. Looking back, Katherine and Josh both agree that it happened at the right time, at the right place in the right way. Now when they talked about a dating relationship, gone were the words "never" and "too hard." After discussion and prayer, the two decided they were ready to put in the hard work for a long-distance relationship. Needless to say, it worked out!

Josh and Katherine were over the moon about each other. Their relationship was built on faith and supported by communication, empathy, and kindness to one another. Whether they were in person or thousands of miles apart, they enjoyed each other's company. Many long-distance dates and late-night conversations drew them closer together. They cherished their time together in person, eagerly awaiting each next trip. They knew that the other was the one they would marry. On February 29th, 2022 Josh planned a day Katherine assumed was a fun morning of board games and an afternoon of movies. However, a surprise had been put in motion. After the board games, Josh and Katherine stopped for lunch at a place they had gone to when they were "just friends." As they munched on pizza, Josh had coordinated the courtyard outside to be decorated for a proposal. As they came out of the restaurant Josh led Katherine amongst candles and asked her to marry him. In the excitement and tears of joy, Josh put the ring on Katherine's finger while his ears were ringing. As Katherine hugged Josh, he realized he had not heard her say yes - the world had gone silent from the ringing and excitement. He asked, "You said yes, right?" and Katherine jumped into his arms replying "Yes of course!" Lost to the world around them, the two enjoyed the moment together - excited to start on the journey towards marriage.