David and Anna met on a sunny Easter afternoon in 2024. They had first connected online, where David was immediately drawn to the fact that Anna listed philosophy and theology among her interests. What Anna didn’t know at the time was that she would soon be going out with a then deacon, now Episcopal priest. They chose Merlin’s Rest, an Irish pub and one of Anna’s favorite neighborhood spots, for their first meeting. The hours slipped away as they dove into conversations about theology, philosophy, and education. Early on, Anna realized there was something “different” about David. It wasn’t just his trivia mastery, although winning gift cards and trivia nights has since become one of their shared adventures. It was his character. Anna not only found herself attracted to his sharp mind, an intellectual equal, but also to the way he radiated what she calls a capital G “Goodness.” More than anything, Anna will say she respects him: his integrity, his steadiness, and his character. Getting to know David as a father has been an especially beautiful experience. His deep care for his children, his people, his friends, and his community was powerfully clear at his ordination, where Anna saw an entire community gather to support him. For her, it confirmed what she already knew: David really is “different.” Anchored, steady, and rooted in faith and purpose. David was immediately taken with Anna’s care for others and the way she lives out her values. He loves her desire to learn more and truly understand where other people are coming from; furthermore, she seeks to apply her learning to life and her relationships. It has been inspiring to see the art she makes and the way she uses her insights to host gatherings and help others create beautiful spaces for life together. David is so grateful to have Anna as a partner in life. Together, they have been weaving a shared life that brings together Anna, David, and his two children, Lewis and Bridget, ages 5 and 7. Anna has found joy in becoming enmeshed as a family, building something meaningful and purposeful together. Both love working to make David’s house their “home,” with Anna’s interior design eye and David’s handiness. They dream together, they make together, and they laugh together. Evenings might mean a local theater show, or simply a cozy movie night at home, checking off another classic from their ever-growing list. David reads incessantly to maintain his genius status, while Anna happily balances too many creative hobbies and jobs. David and Anna are so excited to get married, to bridge their lives, and to keep building together in this next chapter.