Our story goes back a lifetime…LITERALLY! Before Bianca and Chad were even thought of, our families connected, seemingly serendipitously. Bianca’s parents and Chad's father met in 1974 as fellow students at Northwestern University. Bianca's mom (Denise) was an undergraduate student, and Chad's father (Charles) was a graduate student in the Kellogg School of Business. One day, in the dining hall, Denise and Charles struck up a conversation and quickly realized that they had a common interest; they were both Christians who desired to evangelize on campus. Throughout the school year, the two introduced many students to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Several classmates, including Bianca's father (Marcus) were converted and began to follow Jesus. After graduating from college, the three friends maintained a close relationship. Charles married Melanie, a friend from high school and the woman who led him to Christ. Shortly afterward, Marcus married Denise. Melanie and Denise became dear friends with many shared passions: love for God, love for family, and a commitment to education. Although the two families lived hundreds of miles apart, they never lost contact. For as long as Bianca and Chad can remember, many holidays, church functions and life milestones were shared between the Clarks and the Guynns. Although they were connected, Chad and Bianca were worlds apart until Bianca started her graduate studies at The Ohio State University. The summer before starting at OSU, Bianca gave her heart to the Lord and began attending the same church as the Clarks. Around the same time, Chad graduated from Washington University in St. Louis and moved back to Ohio. As young adults, Bianca and Chad served together at the church. Their shared passion for the children's ministry and common life experiences sparked a friendship between the two. This friendship was unassuming but consistent. In time, they began to journal about one another, wondering if they should pursue a relationship beyond friendship and praying that God’s will be done in their lives. These journals are very special now, as they both can see how, in God's time, he brought them together. Last spring, after years of praying, journaling, planning and scheming, Chad finally asked Bianca to enter into a courtship with him. She excitedly said yes, and throughout the summer and fall, the two spent countless hours together, finding out what they already knew; their relationship was grounded in God and bolstered by mutual love, admiration and respect. On December 1st, 2024 Chad asked Bianca to marry him. Once again Bianca said yes, feeling comforted by their close family connection, Chad's love for God, and God's loving answer to her secret prayers. Since then, she has been planning a wedding nonstop… TO BE CONTINUED… We, Chad and Bianca, are looking forward to joining our lives together as husband and wife. We covet your continued prayers that God will be honored in our engagement, wedding, and marriage. Thank you so much for all your love and support, and we are excited to celebrate our special day with you!