Tyler and I went to the same college-Life Pacific University (then, known as Life Pacific College). But we went at different times. I graduated and the following semester, Tyler started classes. We actually had a ton of mutual friends, which was really cool! We didn’t meet or connect till years later. Tyler and I ended up writing each other through social media, last summer. I had seen his name on my school’s social media and was curious about this Tyler guy! I began reading his posts and could feel his heart for Jesus and love for others in what he posted. At that point, I was attracted to his heart for God. I responded to a couple of his posts, made a joke that made him laugh, and our story began. We talked everyday-asking questions back and forth and always had something to talk about. We took our time getting to know each other and built an amazing friendship. All the while, we had both developed feelings for each other. One day Tyler expressed his feelings for me and I shared my feelings for him. Our friendship grew, all the while knowing that we both had feelings for the other. Tyler made it known that he was pursuing my heart. When we spent time together in person, we had already built such a strong friendship and connection that hanging out in person just solidified the relationship we already had. Later, we both expressed our love for each other. We both shared knowing that we loved each other, even before he came to Texas to spend time with me and my family-our love had grown during the building of our friendship. I knew that he was the man I wanted to marry even in the very beginning stages-I could see that he was the man I prayed for. Over time, I continually saw his character, heart, and more and more of the things I prayed for in a husband. This is a brief version of our love story of how God brought us together. I am so grateful that God brought this amazing guy into my life. I cannot wait to be married to this man and do life with him.

When I began going to school at Life Pacific College (now University), I heard a lot of jokes about it being a place to get married.  “Ring by Spring Guarantee”… “Go to Life, find a wife”… “ LIFE Bridal College”… etc.  I look back at that and find humor in it as Annelise and I wouldn’t have found each other otherwise.  The neat thing though - is we never knew each other while attending;  We wouldn’t connect until years later.  She graduated and moved home to Texas before I arrived in the fall. Through the school and mutual friends/followers, we actually connected through Instagram (I never would have thought I’d meet my bride on Instagram) - but we did and most importantly, I met my best friend.  Messaging through Instagram turned into text messaging, which turned into phone calls, which led to FaceTime calls, and meeting her parents via FaceTime.   The foundation of friendship paved the way for my pursuit of her romantically.  Not without challenge or obstacles to overcome- I continued to watch God unfold a future He was building for us- and each step of the way, He would confirm and affirm our relationship as we grew closer and closer. I knew I loved her and wanted to be her husband.  After receiving her parents’ blessing, I asked her to be my bride.  Spoiler alert* SHE SAID YES! I am beyond blessed to get to spend my life chasing Jesus with Annelise and serving Him together through it all.