The Force is strong with this union

Their story didn't start the moment they met; it started years prior in the quiet moments of prayer and creativity. Between 2011 and 2018, Aubrey was sharing her heart with a global audience on DeviantArt, penning romance stories like "The Disguised Princess and the Prince" and praying for a "True Knight" of her own, all while she pursued her acting career. Little did she know, that knight was already being prepared over 1,000+ miles away. In the rugged mountains and quiet country of Colorado, Austin was forging his own path as an aspiring animal keeper and a poet. In 2016, he penned a poem called "A True Knight and a Fair Maiden". Though they were both unknowingly members of the same Christian art group for years, God held the curtain closed until the timing was perfect. In February 2018, Austin's poem, in a group submission with various artists, finally appeared in Aubrey's messages. It sat unopened for seven months, a "cliffhanger" waiting for the perfect day- September 25, 2018- when Aubrey was seeking for inspiration and a fresh start, finally clicked "open" and found her future. After that first message on September 25, 2018, a simple "Thank You" sparked a conversation that never ended. For ten months, they built a foundation on voices carried across miles, falling in love with each other's spirits before ever meeting in person. Austin became her "Shield of Prayer", standing by her through seasons of mourning and past heartbreaks, proving he was the Knight she had only previously imagined. On July 5, 2019, the digital characters finally stepped into the real world. They met at Dave and Buster's in Ontario, CA. Cautious and prayerful, they both brought "backup"- Aubrey with her best friend, Aly, and Austin with his mom and her then-boyfriend (now husband and bonus dad to Austin), Lynn. Though the spark was immediate, the next seven months were a season of patience. Aubrey held her heart guarded, ensuring this was the story God was writing, while Austin patiently proved his character. Everything changed when Austin called with an adventure of his own: he had aced a phone interview at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. In a leap of faith, he packed a one-way ticket from the Colorado Mountains to the California Valleys in Escondido. In a move only the Great Author (Our Heavenly Father) could coordinate, Austin landed in California just 14 days before the 2020 lockdown. While the world stood still, the story moved forward. Despite being separated by a 90-minute drive during the pandemic, as well as during the course of the relationship, they made every weekend count, building a "Shielded Sanctuary" of peace amidst the chaos. They grew as a team, with Austin becoming the biggest fan of Aubrey's theatrical journey- most notably during her performance in "Ruth" at LifeHouse Theater, where they sang to each other from the stage to the front row. The "Final Cut" of their engagement arrived on Christmas Eve 2023. By the warmth of the fireplace, Austin began to sing the song "For the Dancing and the Dreaming", in hopes that Aubrey would recognize his cue for her to sing along. She recognized it instantly and joined in the song. As his family watched and cameras rolled, he dropped to one knee and asked for forever. By choosing May the 4th, they aren't just picking a date; they are celebrating "A New Hope" and a divine script that took over a decade to write. From DeviantArt to the altar at Edwards Mansion, they've learned that the best stories are the ones where the Author sits down to dine with the characters. The sequel begins today!