A little over 3 years ago, David and Amanda first met in a church small group. In the intervening years, a lot would happen, (not least of all a global pandemic). One of those things was David asked Amanda out...the first time. And Amanda said...no! As it turns out, it was probably for the best, as God's timing usually is. But David and Amanda remained friends, and grew a little closer as the time passed. Then one day, when the timing was right, David really saw it for the first time. Could she be...more than a friend? Their friends certainly thought so! David took his diggity-dang time, while the friends were a little more proactive. I guess we should thank them! Finally, with that little "push" from interested parties, both David and Amanda laid out their thoughts and feelings. They were finally dating like normal, well-adjusted adults. Dating to engagement was, frankly, just nice. A few highlights: an Adirondack Lake House with their friends (yes, those same ones). Rollerblading along the Schyukill River (first date!). Trips to Longwood Gardens. Plenty of movies and shows on the couch. Caring. Learning. Growing. And falling in love. Barf, right? It has been an exciting journey, and they are so looking forward to starting the next big phase with you on August 13th!

"Aw, look babe. It's our future!" Standing on the impressive Manayunk Bridge Trail in Philadelphia, David was moved that Amanda saw more than just a beautiful skyline. Manayunk was the reason they met (even if they met in a town just North of here...doesn't matter). Manayunk was where they had community, a family at Citylight Church, where a lot of the dating and getting-to-know-each-other started. And it will hopefully be where the next phase of life starts. So, it was a no brainer. A few weeks later (after waiting almost a MONTH for the ring), David tried his best to contrive a surprise, nonchalant walk on the bridge. "You'll wear something cute, right?" "Let's dress up for dinner tonight!" "Did you bring your cute clothes?" Amanda had made it clear, "Just make sure when you propose I don't look like a grub." Now, it's not really possible for Amanda to look anything less than stunning, but David understood the assignment. Paranoid that his plan could be ruined by sweatpants...he may have over done it, but he got her on the bridge at the right time, and very much un-grubby (if not a little underdressed for the temperature...the price of fashion). The rest was pretty simple: Step one: sneaky-text the photographer we're on our way (check). Step two: Walk to the middle of the bridge (check). Step three: pull out the ring, wrapped in the pre-written speech, without dropping it in the Schyukill (CHECK thank goodness). Step four: Ask the biggest question of David's life, "Will you marry me?" OBVIOUSLY there was little more said, but maybe David and Amanda will keep that to themselves ;) . Since you're here, clearly she said Yes!! And now they cannot wait to celebrate with all of you.