Our Story

Question

How did you meet?

Answer

Rachel and Devin meet at the Decker's house in the Spring of 2015. Everyone happened to be home and Rachel and Devin both received invites to hang out at the Decker's place (Devin from Shane and Rachel from Avery). The four found themselves sitting by a piano. The evening was very dark, which made the well-lit soft glow of the room brighter than usual. They all sang worship songs together and enjoyed each other's company. There was something especially magical about that night. For both Devin and Rachel, the memory is especially vivid--almost like a dream. Ever since, Rachel has held a special place in Devin's heart. He never forgot that night--or the girl that made it glow like gold in his memory. Neither did Rachel. Years later, as Rachel and Devin began dating and shared their first memory of spending time together, their answers were quick and identical. "That night at the Decker's house, of course. I never forgot it."

Question

How did you reconnect?

Answer

Fast forwarding to 2018, Devin and Rachel had managed to hang out a few times since that first night in 2015. One evening, Devin dropped Rachel and Avery off after a night out. Rachel managed to "accidentally" leave her jacket in Devin's car. A few months later, Devin was looking for a date for a wedding. He asked Avery if Rachel was available. Unfortunately, Devin struck out that time (in fairness, your mom's wedding isn't exactly the best idea for a first date). Devin tried his luck again over winter break in 2019 (Devin asked for a coffee--he'd learned a thing or two since his first attempt). Rachel initially said yes but, after realizing Devin was asking for a date, had to decline because she was already seeing someone. The two agreed that they looked forward to catching up at Shane's wedding in May 2020. Devin hoped things might be different then. Of course, Covid turned Shane's wedding into a mostly virtual event, so May 2020 came and went without Devin's chance to try again. But it was for the best. One year later, Shane's wedding was celebrated again, in person, and Rachel and Devin were both coming (and single). Devin saw his opportunity (Avery talked Devin up with Rachel the night before the wedding), now was his chance. Third time's the charm, right? The next night, Devin arrived with the rest of Shane's wedding party. He watched as the crowd began trickling in. Eventually, after what felt like years (in fairness, this moment was more than 6 years in the making), Rachel walked in. She was even more beautiful than Devin remembered! Devin waited as long as he could (10 minutes tops) and made his way over. The two got a drink at the bar and talked by a window until the ceremony began. Rachel told Devin to come find her later. Those were the sweetest words he'd ever heard. He did as he was told. Sparks flew as the two laughed and danced the night away. That evening, the venue's lighting gave off a soft glow, much like the one from the night they'd met.

Question

So, when did you start dating?

Answer

After the wedding, Devin went back to Virginia (where he was studying for the Bar), and Rachel went back to Michigan (where she was studying for the NAPLEX). Within two weeks, the two were on a FaceTime call to catch up. The call was so easy--they talked and talked and couldn't stop (even though they probably should have been studying). At the end, the call clocked in at four hours. It felt too short. The couple began calling each other almost daily, and texting often to encourage the other in their studies. The more they talked the more they wanted to keep talking. An evening without a call felt strange, like something--and something important--was missing. Rachel and Devin quickly became best friends, even as they were hundreds of miles apart. A few weeks later, Rachel and Devin both finished their summer study stretch and Rachel moved to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh was a quick 7.5-hour drive from southern Virginia (anything less than 6 years sounded like a sweet deal), so Devin took the opportunity and asked Rachel if he could visit. She happily agreed. The two spent the weekend exploring Rachel's new city, visiting the zoo, and trying fun restaurants. On Sunday, Rachel took Devin to Mass. Devin had been to only one other Catholic Mass that he remembered (and he was young), so the experience was very new. At the end, Devin asked Rachel why she bowed when entering the pew. With tears in her eyes, she told Devin that she bowed because she was in the presence of her King. Devin had always thought Rachel was beautiful, but in that moment, she was more beautiful to him than ever.

Question

What happened next?

Answer

That first weekend was all that Devin needed. Rachel was worth pursuing with everything he had, and he was determined to see things through. So, two weeks later Devin hopped in the car again. Shortly thereafter, Devin started a new job that required him to travel weekly. Each time that he flew, Devin made it a point to fly back to Pittsburgh for the weekend. Wherever Rachel was quickly became Devin's new home. In November, Devin chose to move to Pittsburgh full time. He signed a 6-month lease, knowing there was a good chance that Rachel would leave again next summer. If she did, he'd be ready to chase her there also. Over the next several months, Devin prepped for, took, and passed the Bar exam. Rachel plugged away every day at residency and was interviewing all the time. In the ups and downs of a challenging season for both of them, the couple continued to grow, both as individuals and as a couple. They cheered each other on, prayed together through their finish lines, and had a blast along the way (shout out to Dave and Busters!). Most important of all, Rachel stood behind Devin as he was Confirmed into the Catholic church. By June 2022, Rachel and Devin both had jobs, Devin was officially a lawyer, and the two had both managed to find apartments in Traverse City. Yep, Devin knew it all along. He was ready to chase her to a new town! Summer in Traverse City was a blast. Rachel and Devin got a puppy, began settling into their new jobs, and made the most of living where the rest of Michigan vacations. Shortly thereafter, the couple was ready for the next step. So, when Hannah asked Rachel to attend her baby shower in Pittsburgh, Devin quietly began planning his proposal! Pittsburgh is where the two had fallen in love. So, he could think of no better place to begin the journey of the two becoming one. Apparently, Rachel agreed!

Question

How did Devin propose?

Answer

When given the opportunity to propose in Pittsburgh, Devin took it and ran. Devin and Rachel both loved attending their Pittsburgh church's evening vigils. The church was a special place to them, and it is especially beautiful at night. So, Devin reached out. The Church excitedly gave Devin the green light, and Father Reed agreed to bless their engagement afterward. Devin's plan was coming together! Devin knew he'd need help, so he reached out to his trusty local wingman and wingwoman, Adam and Hannah Basinger! Hannah would help get Rachel out of the house and to the church (something about pregnancy cravings...and who can argue with that). Adam would help me set up. Their sister would take pictures. The plan was complete! Finally, October 7 arrived. Devin got Rachel to Pittsburgh and the Basinger's house without raising too much suspicion. Hannah played her part perfectly--Rachel was out the door and dressed up for a night downtown (or so she thought). Adam and Devin loaded up the car with 300 candles, two lighters, and a dozen roses. They made it to the church as darkness was setting in, placed and lit every candle, and scattered rose pedals at the front of the church (saving one for Rachel). Adam earned his wingman stripes for all time that day--Devin couldn't have pulled it off without him. Then, they waited. It wasn't long after (though every minute felt like an eternity) that Adam got the call. Rachel was about to walk in! Devin stood at the end of the aisle with a single rose in his hand. When Rachel walked in, it took her a moment to realize that everything was for her. Once she did, she was shocked (success!!). She quickly came down the aisle, meeting Devin in the exact spot where she had stood with him as he was Confirmed earlier that year. Devin gave Rachel her rose and told her how much he loved her. Then, he dropped his knee and asked Rachel to marry him. Rachel said yes! And rumor has it that neither one has stopped smiling since.