Amanda and I started to talk in the beginning of 2019, and I fell for her quickly. A week in to our “talking” stage, I asked if she would be my girlfriend. In her sweet voice and smile she said “no, not yet.” I knew this was going to be a challenge from that moment forward. But after a couple more weeks full of flowers, dates, and yummy dinners, she said yes. It sounds cheesy, but I knew from the moment we went on our first date that I wanted to marry her. She was kind, servant-hearted, loving, completely on fire for the Lord, and being a sophomore in college at the time, I definitely noticed she was a 11/10. Fast forward around two months I decided that it was time to tell her that I was head over heels in love with her. I remember doing everything I could to make her feel a little extra special that day. We went out to dinner that night and I planned on doing it right when we got to her house to drop her off. As everything was going so perfect to plan, we pulled up outside her house, and I decided it was time. With all the nerves boiled up inside I said, “I love you, Amanda.” As I was waiting for her to say it back, she paused, smiled, and said “thank you, goodnight!” Fortunately, I heard the same response soon after! Although I embarrassed myself more times than I count, from that first date on, I was in love. Whether we were traveling the world and making incredible memories, or just having a sweet dinner date in Auburn, I continued to fall for her more every day. We prayed each and every day that the Lord would continue to move in our lives and in our relationship. - Canon

I still remember my first date with Canon in vivid detail. He was the cute guy from church who asked me to get coffee, so even though I didn’t know a lot about him, I knew he loved Jesus… that’s a good start right?! We went to Coffee Cat in Auburn to get work done and ended up talking the entire time. We talked until Coffee Cat closed and then went to another coffee shop to chat some more. There was something special about him. The best way to describe being with him that night was feeling both over the moon excited, but also having an incredible peace. It just felt “right." He told me about his love for the Lord (he was really working it here), his need for adventure, and the crazy stories behind his many scars. Having all sisters, I thought his scars were pretty cool (as long as he doesn't get in a mountain bike accident again). When he dropped me off at home, I walked in the door with a huge smile on my face knowing this was the start of something good. We continued to get to know each other, talking and driving around at night blasting music with the windows down. He was both bold and gentle and didn’t use straws at restaurants so he could “save the turtles.” A man who does it all! Pretty quickly, he asked me to be his girlfriend. I wanted to say yes, but I also felt like I needed to wait. If Canon jumps right in, I test the waters twice and maybe a third time before dipping my toes in. I smiled and said, “No, not yet” knowing it would be soon after. And it was. These were some of the most magical times of my life. I was truly swept off my feet and ready for the many adventures our relationship had in store (my first time skiing, accidentally snorkeling with sharks, and making dinners together, to name a few). Now we are both thrilled for the adventures that lie ahead. Thank you, everyone, for joining us during this season - we cannot wait to celebrate with you on our special day! Cheers! Amanda

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