Abby and Preston met in 2017 after she moved to the West Garden City Congregation. It was not love at first sight, it was friends for years. Over the span of multiple years, a hall switch, a Pandemic, and plenty of up's and downs their friendship continued. Preston joined us for all the backyard BBQs, up North vacations, family worship and game days. When Preston's "brother" Zee, married Abby's sister Emma, Preston joined her family in Hawaii for the wedding! The group in Hawaii also included what would years later become Preston’s loyal band of groomsmen for his now approaching wedding. The two began to notice each other’s spiritual growth and loyalty to Jehovah God and their friendship blossomed into something more. In November of 2023 they made their relationship official, but by then it was too late, they knew they were made for each other.

The whole family was in on it. With weeks of anticipation and preparation the day was finally here. Preston had the custom made ring in his pocket and Zee, his loyal best man, graciously offered to hold it for him so that the obvious box shape would not ignite suspicion. The family first headed to Eastern Market for a food truck event, an excursion planned to distract the soon to be bride of what was coming in just a few hours. Promptly at 2:00 p.m. the family departed from downtown so as to not miss the activity that Preston had planned for the group next. The family arrived and walked into a warehouse to see ten chairs lined up, one for each person. Large ovens, literally as hot as the sun, were around the room. It was a glassblowing studio and each person would have the chance to make a creation. With 9 people to get through, and Preston being last, the anticipation grew and grew. Hands got shaky, hearts beat faster, and people got fidgety. Finally our helpful instructor, who also knew what was about to happen made an announcement. He told the group their appointment had taken too long and they should go to the shop now, during Preston’s turn, in order to save time. This of course was a ruse to get Abby to leave the room while Preston made something special. After a grueling 10 minutes of distraction the instructor came back to tell the group that Preston was finished and we could take a group picture to close out our appointment. With everyone watching, Preston asked us to take a picture of just him and Abby. Standing in front of the blazing red oven Preston informed Abby that he did not make a plant holder like everyone else, he made a ring holder, a gift for her. The roar of the oven disguised the private message that Preston relayed to Abby. But after a short dialogue she responded with an unmistakable head nod and stuck out her hand. The crowd cheered and cried, hugs were exchanged and many pictures were taken. After the group departed they met at grandma Young’s house where her home had been transformed into an enchanted forest for an engagement party. The remaining family and bridal party were gathered to give their congratulations. The first day of the rest of their lives...

The first time home owners did not have to search for long for their humble abode. They closed on February 24th 2024. But the happy couple have big plans for their little bungalow. The two, along with their friends and families have torn the house apart literally from floor to ceiling. The couple has been able to sand and stain the original hard wood floors to bring them back to their former glory. They were able to find new cabinets (new to them) at a reasonable price to replace the old. Fresh coats of paint add a personal touch to each room. With the wedding fast approaching work on the house is in full throttle getting it ready for the new married couple. They will have a brand new fully refurbished home to move into, landscaping will have to wait till next season!

They come together from different backgrounds, upbringing and tastes, with different personalities and yet united by their love for Jehovah first and then each other. Abby and Preston have added that 3-fold cord to their relationship and with Jehovah they will make a strong marriage and have the support of both their familes and friends!