We met in the fall of 2024 through Charlotte Coffee Club, a nonprofit in Charlotte that brings people together while serving the city, partnering with local nonprofits, and caring for the unhoused. In October, Danielle attended for the first time and left genuinely inspired, admiring what Jon and Phil, the co-founders, were building. She followed them on Instagram, hoping to become friends. Later, Jon shared that he thought Danielle was cute on Instagram, but what really caught his attention was her boldness in posting about faith. When Danielle returned to Coffee Club in November, Jon made sure to introduce himself - and we are both so grateful he did. Three days later, Jon swiped up on Danielle’s Instagram story where she was debating the proper topping for sweet potato casserole. He commended her for boldly standing for team marshmallow. That message turned into more conversation, which eventually led to him asking Danielle to grab dinner at Yafo. What was meant to be casual turned into a two-and-a-half-hour conversation as we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each other. Only after we started dating did Jon confess that he is actually team brown sugar and pecan… but he needed an in! As we continued spending time together, we quickly realized we shared a love for running, serving our community, building meaningful friendships, sweet treats, and most importantly, loving and knowing Jesus. We began dating at the end of 2024, and the Lord has been so kind to us ever since. Through long car rides, training for the Chicago Marathon, Andy’s runs, ultimate frisbee games, attending Hope Community Church, time with family, game nights, and countless conversations about life and faith, He steadily drew us closer. Somewhere between the miles and the milkshakes, we realized God was answering prayers we had both been praying for years. On Christmas Day, December 25th, Jon proposed. Even though Danielle loves a good plan and thought she might figure it out, she had absolutely no idea. She was in her pajamas, completely surprised - and it was perfect. We are so grateful for God’s timing. We truly believe He brought us together in His perfect way and has revealed His grace to us through each other. We cannot wait to spend our lives building community, serving side by side, running off our dessert habit, and continuing to say yes to whatever He has ahead. He is faithful!!