“We love because He first loved us” - 1 John 4:19

We’re so excited to celebrate our love with all of you! Read further to learn more about our story! <3

After high school, Payton and Asa first crossed paths as freshmen at CUW when their schedules aligned on Tuesday/Thursday mornings with Professor Weber’s statistics class. Asa sat toward the front because he couldn’t see (he didn’t have his glasses yet); Payton had all her books and supplies in the middle table. Payton remembers relentless jokes and banter between Asa and Professor Weber; Asa remembers having a crush on the girl with all the books. After the fall semester, COVID halted the rest of their freshman year. Asa transferred to the University of Wisconsin Madison to study Physical Education while Payton continued at Concordia University Wisconsin to finish her degree in Occupational Therapy. They had no idea that God’s plans involved their paths intersecting again.

May: Asa and Payton reconnected online a few years later when Asa was finally able to reveal the massive crush he (still) had on Payton. She (eventually) reciprocated that crush, and they quickly started to spend every free moment texting and calling while Payton completed her fieldwork in Tennessee and Asa worked his summer job in Wisconsin. August: Payton and Asa finally had their first date in St. Joseph, Michigan. The beautiful day consisted of walks downtown and on the pier, Silver Beach pizza, and conversations with Asa’s grandparents. As the sun set below the Lake Michigan horizon, neither Payton nor Asa wanted the day to end. September: Asa invited Payton to her first Packers game at Lambeau Field, which soon became a yearly tradition. Afterward, they “leveled up” to boyfriend and girlfriend when Asa asked Payton on their car ride back to Madison.

Despite the distance between them with Asa starting his teaching career in Wisconsin and Payton selecting an occupational therapist job in central Illinois, Asa and Payton’s relationship flourished with glimmering memories. From concerts to dinners to trips and more, they are very thankful for reliable vehicles and long weekends!

On September 20, Asa proposed to Payton on the shores of St. Joseph, Michigan, with the lighthouses in the background right before it started to rain. They were surrounded by an overwhelming sense of joy and love. Immersed in God’s presence, it was an answer to so many whispered prayers.

Asa and Payton are getting married! We are looking forward to how God’s plan continues to unfold in this next chapter of our lives. We would be honored to have you join us to celebrate!

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”