It all started when Josiah joined the Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra halfway through his junior year of college. His practice room was down the hall from Clara’s and conveniently on her route to orchestra every week. His frequent elevator conversations and compliments were noticed by her as odd but endearing. He was persistent and she quickly fell for him as he saved her from a broken elevator, let her win in bowling, rescued a child’s stuck kite, and made her laugh in a difficult season. The elevator continued to be a motif in their relationship as they looked forward to their frequent conversations in that liminal space. Their first official adventure outside of the elevator came when he asked her out for dinner and roller blading. Although roller blading turned out not to be a good fit for either of them, it did not deter their budding relationship. Further dates soon followed. By April 17th, they started dating, quickly encountering their first taste of long distance during summer break. Back together in the fall, they enjoyed being a block away from each other. They explored Chicago together enjoying jazz, the Navy Pier, an apple orchard, and many musical performances. They grew to learn they had a shared interest in deep conversations about current events, theology, and life. Along with this, they find joy in the little things like food, going off the beaten path in cities, and landscapes others pass by without a second glance. Graduation led to a sad goodbye as a more permanent change came for Josiah, teaching Middle School English at West Shore Christian Academy back home in Central PA. Despite the physical distance, he visited Clara in Wheaton once a month over the course of the following years. Clara’s summer internship in DC brought blissful break from long distance, and allowed Josiah to propose on June 28th, 2025. She was delighted to say “yes!” They hope that their impending marriage will be a glorious representation of God’s faithfulness and are excited to celebrate it with you and your loved ones on July 17th, 2026.