One of Darren and Claire’s first interactions took place while waiting for a table at Plucker’s with a group of friends. Spotting Darren dressed head-to-toe in running gear, Claire tried to start a conversation by asking, “oh, do you run?” Darren, showing off the charm and conversational range he’s now known for, replied, “nope,” and left it there. The conversation died immediately, but somehow, a love story still began. After two and a half years of dating marked by memorable meals, new experiences, meaningful trials, mediocre flag football, and so much joy, Darren, through much prayer and discernment, knew it was time to make it forever. With the blessing of their parents, a plan was set in motion. Darren's brother, Henry, and Tyff, who is suspiciously good at lying, all came together to coordinate a dream trip to New York for Claire, who was blissfully unaware of what was to come. However, the days leading up to the proposal was all but seamless. With Darren nearly spilling the secret, which he is famously known to do, Claire somehow breaking a nail, had to be on her left hand, and an "overwhelmed" photographer who backed out last minute, it seemed like the plan was not unfolding quite the way it had been drawn up. But by God’s grace, a few audibles, and keeping Claire far away from his very obviously increasing heart rate, Darren managed to pull off the first, and likely only, surprise he will ever successfully keep from her. Through the wisdom and discipleship from shepherds and Pastors, and the loving and faithful community surrounding them both, they now eagerly await the day they get to say, “I do.”