It all started on orientation day, freshman year of college. I saw a very beautiful woman and made it my mission to get to know her better. Unfortunately, she left before I could, crushing my hope of finding her on such a large campus. Thankfully, I was able to get her contact through a friend, and we began talking. Soon after, movie nights commenced and continued steadily for most of freshman year, alongside various other activities. At this point, it was obvious Mackenzie and I liked each other. It was only a matter of time before one of us confessed our feelings. Kenzie was the first to do so and I quickly reciprocated the feeling! A couple of days later, I met her family for the first time. I was a bit nervous as I knew everyone was likely informed about what had transpired. We FaceTimed all through the summer, and by the time we got back to school in the fall, we were ready to go on our first official date. Our first date was at glow-in-the-dark putt-putt, followed by ice cream at McDonald's (her request). We discovered a mutual love for hiking and went on many trails, exploring nature together. We also enjoyed going to baseball games and grabbing sweet treats from Sweet Disciple on campus. A year and a half since our first date, during our spring break trip in Palm Springs, I proposed to her. With the help of many people, a beautiful proposal was orchestrated, and both of our families were there to celebrate with us. It was a perfect moment, surrounded by our loved ones, marking the beginning of our future together. I thank the Lord for every moment Mackenzie and I have had together and the provision He has had over our relationship. Looking forward to exploring the future with my best friend!

Brian was one of the very first people I met at GCU. Other than Maryn, my roommate and now bridesmaid in our wedding! It was right after the big orientation in the arena, with all of the parents and their kids that they were dropping off at college. We were assigned to small groups to get a tour of campus and meet new people. The group assignments were based on the building you were moving into and the time you moved in the day before. Backtrack to the middle of summer before that day, I woke up in a panic because I realized I slept through my alarm that I was supposed to wake up to in order to pick the time slot I wanted to move in. Since I overslept, I could not pick the early morning time I wanted, so I had to settle for the afternoon slot. And thank goodness I did because that's how I ended up in the small group with my future husband! How crazy is that?! But the thing is, I left the group early to say goodbye to my parents who had to hit the road back to California from Arizona. So I didn’t get a phone number, Snapchat, Instagram, or even his last name. All I knew about him was his name is Brian, he’s tall and beautiful, and he so obviously cheats at uno (small group game time activity). GCU is a large school and during welcome week we were among 9000 other freshman. I didn’t think I would see him again. Then, a couple nights later, I met a few people on the way into a welcome week event, and I got Snapchat contacts from them. After communicating back and forth randomly, one of them sent a picture of the cute boy I met in my orientation group. I immediately said that I know him and I invited him and his friends to hang out. The rest of freshman year we (Brian, Maryn, Trent, and I) hung out almost every day as a friend group. Brian and I grew so much individually that year, and as we got to know each other better, the feelings grew stronger and stronger. After weeks of contemplating if I should tell him that I like him, I asked him if he liked me instead. Of course, he said yes, and we started officially dating the beginning of our sophomore year of college! And that’s how we met and started dating! Brian is my biggest answer to prayer. I have prayed for a man who would push me closer to the Lord and who would love me with a pure heart and intentions since I was 13 years old. Brian is just that and more. I cannot wait to start life with my best friend!