Sarah's Version The only way to explain how we met is that there was a whole lot of divine intervention. Last year, my sister got married (whoop!), and to celebrate, we headed to a lake house in Clear Lake for her bachelorette weekend. During our trip, we spent the day out on the water and ended up bar hopping that night. At one point, the group split up — the single girls were chatting with some guys, and the married ones stuck together. In my mind, a bachelorette party should be about celebrating the bride and hanging out with the girls who came with you. But… I quickly became a hypocrite. I went to check on the girls who were talking to a group of guys, and that’s when I saw Carson. He gave me a huge, goofy wave — and of course, I waved back. Then came his “not a pickup line” (which was totally a pickup line): “I think I know you from somewhere.” That line kicked off a conversation that lasted until the bar closed. As it turns out, I was working just 30 minutes away that summer, so when he asked me on a date, I couldn’t come up with a good excuse to say no. That first date turned into five hours of talking… and many more dates followed after. To say the least — when you know, you know. I’m beyond thankful that the Lord brought us together in such an unexpected and perfect way. Carson's Version Over the summer, I was lucky enough to be volunteering at the local hospital near my hometown of Clear Lake, so this was the one and only summer throughout college that I spent back home. How lucky a man I am that I did. While at the bar with some buddies, right before the 4th of July week, I remember there being a couple bachelorette parties--specifically one of them all had bright-colored "bob" wigs on (it turns out this party was for Sarah's sister). At the time, I didn't want to be at the bar anymore; I was tired, my social battery was low, and I just wanted to go home and fall asleep. However, my friends convinced me "just one more drink, man." I got off my seat to buy a tequila and sprite, and when I turned around with my cup, in walks the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. Somehow, she was pulling off that bright red bob like a champ. I was awestruck and didn't know what to do, so I pulled the cheesiest grin I could and waved HUGE like she was an old friend. I'm not one for pickup lines or first impressions at the bar, but somehow it worked because she waved and smiled right back! After sharing a hug, I convinced myself that I knew her from somewhere. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't a pickup line, I actually thought I'd met Sarah before. It felt like I already truly knew her. Somehow her eyes felt familiar. So I asked her the question. From then on, we spent hours trying to figure out how we could've known each other which seamlessly led us to discuss common interests and exchange stories, all while spilling our drinks on ourselves amidst the hundreds of people in the crowded bar, talking until bar-close. I secured her phone number right at the wire (score!) and decided to send a follow-up text that night around 2:30 AM... risky. But, she replied, and I learned she was doing an internship half an hour away from Clear Lake. From then on the rest was history: our first date turned from what could've been a fun time riding rides on wristband day at the carnival to talking for five hours over flatbread pizza during dinner. Sarah was (and is) the easiest person to talk to in the world. She truly makes me better and is supporting and pushing me to be the man I was created to be. Every second of our meeting, dating, and engagement has been a gift from God. We reflect back on so many moments and ideas we either shared or had independently and realize that it was Him who placed us together. There's no other explanation other than this was all His plan from the beginning for both of our hearts.