We're getting married!

The story of us starts back in 2015, during high school. Blake was a senior, and I was a sophomore. We met in Mrs. Best's psychology class halfway through the school year. Our initial reactions were not mutual. I introduced myself first, and Blake came off as extremely shy, kind of avoiding me like the plague. For the next couple of months, I would try to talk to Blake and would get nowhere, get irritated, say "forget it," then try again. Eventually, he finally came and sat by me and slowly started opening up. It started with conversations about music and what he had planned after graduation, and quickly became "we have to stay in touch and hang out as soon as possible!” And that's exactly what we did. He graduated, and we instantly became like peas and carrots. Our first date involved him pushing me into a crawdad-filled creek, laughing so hard we could cry, and our first kiss. I may be biased, but he was a really good kisser. We kissed and on his radio was, "Cigarette Daydreams" by Cage the Elephant. We sang along, and that’s been our song ever since. The beginning was bumpy and difficult at times, but it led us to where we are now and brought me my person. For that, it will always be my favorite introduction story. - Cam

We learned early on that we both loved Christmas. So, it doesn’t surprise me that some of my fondest memories are from this season. Our first Christmas in 2015 was hindered by tornado warnings and bad weather. To top it off, we were broke and unfortunately couldn’t do anything we had originally planned, but somehow we still always found a way to enjoy the season. This was the moment we started driving around looking at Christmas lights. We had a great time, and it was free! We ended up making this a tradition and continue to do it every year.
 In 2018 we had our first Christmas in our new home. Being able to decorate and start new traditions with our family just emphasized our love for the season and brought us closer together. Christmas of 2020 proved to be a very challenging time for everyone, as many places were closed and we were required to limit the number of people we spent our time with. Luckily, as time went on, the pandemic situation improved and Christmas of 2022, I officially propose to Cam. I hid the ring at the bottom of her stocking so it would be the last thing she saw. That will always be my favorite Christmas morning.
 Each holiday season, we reflect back on previous years and look forward to the memories and experiences we get to create in the future.
 - Blake

We have always identified as "Christians.” However, that didn’t mean we were, and it definitely didn’t mean we played the part. This carried a weight so I decided I wanted to know my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In 2022, I slowly started making changes and tried to get into the Word. As I kept striving to know Jesus, Blake joined me in my curiosity. The closer we became to Jesus, the more we realized we belonged in the church. We prayed over this; I had church hurt that lingered from my teenage years and was scared to throw myself back into a congregation. However, we bit the bullet and finally decided to give a local church a try.
 Once we got there, we learned the church had moved its location. I was disappointed and questioned if I was meant to go back to church. Blake looked at me and said so hopefully, "Well, it wasn’t meant to be this one. How about we try the little one right by the house?" I was surprised; he seemed so optimistic and not at all deterred. I, on the other hand, was hesitant. The little church down the road? I assumed it was likely an older population (no shade) making it difficult for a young couple to plug in. But, through my fear, I felt the Lord lead me to trust the man I love. We walked in and man was I wrong. It was a small church, and it did have an older congregation (they are the best), but it was also wonderful. We were greeted with love by everyone, of all ages. We were able to plug in so quickly, our relationship with the Lord grew abundantly. 
 Things were moving fast. We started some great classes with our pastor, Jeff and he taught us more about our amazing God. We quickly realized it was time to be baptized into Christ. I had always felt hesitant because I felt unworthy. I always felt I needed to be “better” to be worthy of a baptism. Thankfully, Jeff was able to help me see that Jesus didn’t die for the worthy, he died for us all so we can be with our God. As soon as I made that realization, there was no time to waste, we were baptized and made new! 

We have felt a significant weight off of our shoulders and joy in our hearts knowing we belong to the kingdom of God. It has blessed our relationship tenfold and has prepared us for a happy, long marriage that glorifies His name. 

We’re so thankful for our church, pastor, and most importantly, Jesus.
 - Cam

This is a day that Cam and I will always remember. What’s funny is that we almost canceled our plans. Technically, this was for her birthday, but we had to push it off a few days. I had rented a boat to take out on the lake with some of her family and friends. When we first got there, she was pretty nervous about the whole thing, but once we got out on the water, she started to really enjoy it. Between everyone listening to 80’s rock and jumping off the top deck, we were all having a great time. Then the “tsunami” came. We expected some rain and for it to fizzle out quickly, but then the wind started ramping up and the waves began to push the boat all over the water. While everyone was still in the water swimming, the boat kept gliding further and further away from them. This is when Cam's uncle took over driving the boat and yelling at everyone to get back in. Once we got everyone back in the boat, it was just a matter of fighting to keep the boat from being pushed to shore. Despite the chaos, we were still having a great time, and it just added to what made this day so memorable.
 This only lasted for a few minutes before the weather and water returned to normal. Once it did, it was like nothing ever happened and we went back to flinging ourselves off the top deck and putting soap on the slide to shoot off like rockets. It’s funny that the day started with Cam being nervous and considering cancelling, but ended with us staying out as late as possible, making this one of the best birthdays yet! 
 - Blake