We're getting married

On a casual Wednesday afternoon, Gabriel & I took our children (Dexter & Roxie) to Nettles Dog Park in Clemson. This was a regular occurrence for the both of us, as we each went at least 3 times a week. So there is definitely a chance we had seen each other before. But as Gabe will gladly tell you, he had a very long beard and very long hair a week before we met. I have told him I simply would not have talked to him because that wasn't "my type" (in the kindest way possible). On that afternoon we first met, we were both sitting at the picnic table supervising our babies and a conversation was easily sparked. Before we knew it, we were talking about his chickens and my small business. By the end of that night, we both left but he didn't ask for my number. Yes, I was devastated but I knew the Lord had whatever might be happening in His hands. However... Gabe asked me to come the next night. Without doubt I was going to find a way there. Well, I did, he asked for my number and here we are.

From the moment Gabe picked me up in his car, I knew the night was going to be so sweet. I had no idea what was planned other than a "pretty fancy" restaurant that was on the list. I was so stressed about what to wear (as any girl does on the first date, right?). He ended up taking me to The Galley in Anderson. I had never been there so I still did not know what to expect inside but I saw it was on Lake Hartwell with the prettiest sunset. He mentioned that we needed to take pictures with it, I of course agreed, and I found out he had brought his GoPro to take pictures of the night. My soft spot is pictures. I melted. We went inside for dinner and it was the sweetest time with the sweetest conversations and delicious food. I loved every minute of it. Later that night, he took me to Greenville to get coffee and ice cream and walk around downtown. It was quiet and peaceful so we sat on a swing over the water and talked for a few hours. So fun.

When you pray about a husband and how well he is going to love you, you're praying for a man like Gabriel. Kind, patient, loving, tender, intentional, leader, willing, God-fearing. He's slow and steady, so yes, we are complete opposites. For example, every time we go in the grocery store together, he runs off and I cannot find him for a good 10 minutes and I get irritated because I'm almost always getting food to make for dinner and we all know how hangry I get. And then, here comes Gabe, slowly approaching around the corner with a bouquet of flowers in his hand for me. He is so patient with me, oh my, so patient.

The first night I met Bridgette I knew she was the girl I was looking for. She was so cute and sweet and we shared so many similarities. Our life goals match up perfectly and it feels like we have known each other our entire lives. I knew she seemed perfect to me but I was terrified because I didn't know if she knew God and I spent an entire day worried about it. At the end of the day, she added me on instagram where I saw posts of her friends getting baptized and her loving God and I knew she WAS perfect! Walking close with the Lord, having a big heart for her friends, such a hard worker and a good sense of humor (even if she doesn't laugh at all of my amazing jokes). I can't wait for her to be my wife and I know one day she will be an amazing mother to our children!!!!!!! Fun fact: I had a dream right before I met Bridgette that I went on some online-dating dates and they went nowhere and as I was walking home, I noticed people hanging out at a park table and started conversation with them that lead to longterm friendships and a genuine romantic relationship. The next day I deleted the app and a day or two after I met Bridgette at the dog park table!

WOOOO! He asked and I said yes (obviously!!) If you haven't seen pictures yet, head over to the photos page NOW. The pictures describe themselves very well. Gabriel and I went out to California to see his family for the holidays and birthdays. The furthest west I had ever been was Texas so this was a huge change for me. By this time, Gabe and I had only been dating almost 3 months. We adventured and I met probably 100 people that week between his family and hometown friends - it was chaotic to say the least, but I wouldn't have done it any differently. Little did I know, a few days later, I would be saying YES to being his WIFE!! He set it up perfectly with a perfect view and a perfect photographer for the day. Seriously, go check out the pictures. It still looks too good to be true. Thank you, baby.

We are striving to have nothing short of a biblical marriage, in all aspects of our lives. Loving well, pursuing Christ in every decision, tithing, sacrificing, being in the Word together, praying together. He will love me the way Christ loves the church. I will love and submit to Gabriel the way I love and submit to Christ. We will be surrounded by, and thankfully already are, accountable community by loved ones & sweet friendships. Lord-willing, we want a pretty large family (at least 5 kids & quite a few dogs) with lots of farm land & farm animals, living the homestead dream. We will then pass our skills and passions on to the next generation.