We met on HINGE!! Hinge is an online dating app. What can we say? The Lord works in mysterious ways! Disclaimer: Our journey has not been easy, pretty, or traditional. We fought for each other in every twist and turn of our careers, financial situations, location changes, etc. If you interpret anything from our story, we hope that you see God’s kindness towards us. We did not deserve ANY of His tenderness. But even still, He helped us through every obstacle (even when we didn’t ask for His help). Our first date was in August 2020, at the end of Michael’s career in the military. We spent just FIVE dates together before Michael needed to visit family in Florida and San Francisco. We spent 3 months without seeing each other, but continued to keep in touch. At the end of January 2021, Michael moved to San Diego to start his firefighter journey at Miramar Community College. We were determined to make it work by commuting between San Diego and Orange County (a total of 80 miles between the two locations, about 1 hour and 30 min drive). Little did we know this would last 2.5 years! Our time together was limited, mostly just Saturdays/Sundays and facetime calls during the week. Delaney was earning her Master’s at Cal Baptist University while simultaneously earning her teaching credential online at Alliant International University. She was also working part time at her dad’s company, Pathway payments (shout out echeck processing). She picked up any extra money she could by working at Harris Company (shout out ABC) on several week nights. It was very overwhelming and difficult. But, the short time we had together on the weekends made everything worth it. In May of 2022, Delaney became a credentialed science teacher with an MS in kinesiology and landed her first teaching job at ABC Unified School District. By early 2023, Michael was hired by LAFD and started a rigorous training academy during the summer. During this time, Michael lived in LA (another long commute to see each other on the weekend, about 60 miles). Finally, by the end of his academy, we were able to live together and shortly after get ENGAGED. We are grateful beyond words. We prayed for the days we are living in right now. The Lord deserves everything our marriage has to offer. Continue to pray for us as we travel this life together. We want everything we do to reflect the same kindness the Lord has shown us. Thank you for your involvement in our journey through these years! It means everything to us!

Did we elope?! Well, kind of. We scheduled a civil service at Laguna Hills courthouse on March 1, 2024. It was a quaint, beautiful moment spent with each other (along with Delaney’s parents, sister, and brother in law). It was small. It was quiet. It was just what we always wanted. :) Ultimately, we didn’t want to wait until October to be officially married. We were eager to be husband and wife. It’s what we wanted from the beginning! We are so excited to share our “spiritual vows” and wedding celebration with you on October 5, 2024.