Dallas and Carly both attended Wheaton College, shared mutual friends, and moved in the same social circles, yet somehow, their paths never crossed while they were students. They each led separate lives with no idea that a deeper plan was unfolding for them in the background. Little did they know, their love story was already in the making, carefully orchestrated by the close-knit connections they shared. It was in 2022, at Maddie's wedding, that their worlds finally collided. Carly’s older sister Maddie was marrying Caden, one of Dallas's close friends and teammates. Naturally, Caden, ever the matchmaker, couldn't resist nudging Carly toward Dallas, convinced the two were made for each other. So, the night of the rehearsal dinner, Dallas and Carly were introduced for the very first time. But, despite their undeniable chemistry, Dallas hesitated, unsure if he should make a move. The spark was there, but it flickered quietly, awaiting the right moment. Over the next year, Dallas and Carly's paths crossed again and again, as if the universe was giving Dallas gentle nudges, urging him not to miss out. These encounters were often thanks to Carly’s younger sister Tori and her now-husband Griffin, another teammate and close friend of Dallas's. Their shared social circles kept bringing Dallas and Carly back together, and each time, the pull between them grew stronger. At Tori and Griffin's wedding in 2023, the two found themselves drawn together again, this time bonding over marshmallow roasting. Carly accidentally lit her marshmallow on fire, and Dallas graciously laughed it off, still managing to miss her subtle hints. Once again, they parted ways without any real progress. Then, a month later, the tables turned. Carly, looking for someone to watch the Women’s World Cup with, decided to reach out to Dallas over text. Her casual message caught him by surprise, but to his disappointment, he had to decline due to prior commitments. Not wanting to miss another chance, he quickly offered to catch the next game with her – completely unaware that the World Cup was being hosted in New Zealand, with games airing in the middle of the night. Despite their best efforts, their timing didn't quite align, as the US team faced tough losses while Dallas and Carly waited for a chance to meet. Finally, Dallas decided to take matters into his own hands. He invited Carly out for appetizers and drinks, turning a missed game into their first real date on August 9th, 2023. From the moment they met that evening, there was magic in the air. Conversation flowed effortlessly and neither of them wanted the night to end. Carly spontaneously decided to introduce Dallas to the world of Jeni's ice cream, adding a sweet touch to a night that already felt unforgettable. That date sparked a beautiful series of moments together. As the months passed, Dallas and Carly spent time discovering each other's worlds and sharing countless memories. There were evenings spent exploring Chicago's theater scene, cheering at Bears games, cruising on architecture tours, and indulging in delicious dinners. During the holidays, they admired the Christmas lights at the Botanic Gardens and spent precious moments with family and friends. Carly’s marathon training meant plenty of long runs, with Dallas faithfully biking alongside her, weathering every season and cheering her on every step of the way. Through highs and lows, God remained at the center of their relationship, guiding them and anchoring them in a deep sense of purpose and gratitude. Looking back, they marvel at the intricate path that brought them together, grateful for the way their lives intersected in just the right timing. God's hand was unmistakably there from the beginning, carefully weaving their lives into a beautiful tapestry of love, faith, and shared joy.