The Wedding Bells are Ringing!

At the end of April 2023, Austin visited his good friends -- Sully, Jayce, and Chris -- in Michigan. Little did he know that that trip would change his life. While at dinner, somehow the topic of marriage and dating came up. Jayce blurted out (and, according to her, without much forethought) that "Austin is going to marry Diana!" Confused, Austin asked more questions, which lead to him being open to getting Diana's number. Jayce talked Diana up to Austin. He thought he'd give this girl a chance since she had such a good recommendation from Jayce. Jayce then called Diana the next day and told her, "I know the man you are going to marry! He is super handsome, really smart, and has a heart of gold. I KNOW he will treat you so well." Diana doubted Jayce's words, but thought she'd give it a shot. Jayce was quite persuasive. A day or so later, Austin called Diana. Nervous, Diana let the phone go to voicemail. Austin texted Diana to introduce himself. Diana told a half-truth and said that she couldn't answer because she had a work meeting (there wasn't a work meeting). Over the course of a few weeks, Austin and Diana began to text, and then call. Diana was surprised at Austin's thoughtfulness, and his openness to talk about difficult topics, offer his opinions, and disagree with her. She was impressed by his character and how he was growing in his faith. After talking for about a month, Diana decided that she would start dating Austin if he asked. It took him a full two weeks to figure out all the hints she was dropping (Austin says Diana was dropping no hints)! As soon as he realized she was interested, he called her and asked Diana to be his girlfriend. About two weeks after that, Diana and Austin met in-person for the first time. And, about two weeks after that, Diana knew she wanted to marry him. Austin also came to that realization about the same time. They both kept it to themselves at first, but when Austin told Diana he loved her (in the most adorable way) -- the future of marriage began to be discussed and prayed over. They waited three whole months before they saw each other again. In October, they exchanged promise rings. In November, Diana met Austin's family and Austin asked Diana's parents for their blessing. All family members were supportive of this relationship. In early December, the ring Austin ordered (in October) and the ring Diana ordered (about 5 days beforehand) both showed up on the same day. Austin started asking questions to the military personnel about when would be best to get married and how the process would work. After deliberation, it was decided that March would be the best time for Austin so that he could get several weeks off of work. Otherwise, a later wedding might get canceled or might be very short due to staffing issues. So, they set the date for March 3 -- before they were officially engaged! In January, Diana and Austin will exchange engagement rings -- and get married about a month and a half later. After the wedding in March, Diana will move to be with Austin in Alaska. All that said -- Diana and Austin are incredibly thankful for Jayce's "big mouth" (as she calls it) in setting them up. They look forward to future adventures in living across the US, growing in their faith together, building a home, and starting a family.

We’re going to have line dances at our wedding! Here are some to learn. They should all be good for beginners! 1. Shivers - Ed Sheeran DANCE: https://youtu.be/MwuK6ixYpwQ?si=QsCOmMnZ_BJgtAQt HOW TO: https://youtu.be/6X0d0tmt4E0?si=snGRBNRQvZFIZ1ke 2. Country Girl Shake It For Me - Luke Bryan DANCE: https://youtu.be/W_7VpPtdYhc?si=NIEnIN1yc9WFISxo HOW TO: https://youtu.be/zb3XC4RnYbk?si=PDFCx3ohcTUlqttZ 3. South Side - Thomas Rhett DANCE: https://youtu.be/rnEBqq2O9JM?si=nmUzSRqEWuACclA4 HOW TO: https://youtu.be/LuxslxBYfZY?si=XNb8ytE5kSBX0bUP 4. Cupid Shuffle This one calls out the moves! 5. Crank It Up - Colt Ford DANCE: https://youtu.be/zBQqXiaa0hc?si=6bBVbT8VY5kvHnia HOW TO: https://youtu.be/ovQSLv_LcZA?si=anUif-KTCTiztaBh