"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19 As a sophomore freshly initiated into her sorority, Bella and her best bud, Chaney, decided to attend her first (and only) mixer: a BYX mixer at Spirit Ice Arena. That night, she met DJ. DJ, a pledge trainer (basically the ringleader for new pledges), had plans to go to a Houston Rockets game but felt led to give his tickets to a friend in need (thank you, Jesus) and instead chose to chaperone a mixer (you see where this is going). At the mixer, Chaney introduced Bella to her camp friend—DJ—and the two exchanged a grand total of about four words: “Ahh sick hat, dude!” – DJ “Thank ya, I like your jacket!” – Bella That was it. But Bella walked away, turned to Chaney, and said, “That was the most beautiful man I’ve ever met.” The rest of the night consisted of DJ responsibly chaperoning pledges and Bella dramatically telling Chaney as they left, word for word, “I didn’t get to say bye to my husband.” She (humbly) predicted the future. Enter Chaney, MVP of wingwomen, who boldly texted DJ later that night: “Since you liked Bella’s hat and she liked your jacket, I think that calls for a date.” DJ got Bella’s number and agreed… to a group fire night first, of course. From there, 5-hour-long conversations led to DJ professing his feelings (in which were mutual) and asking Bella out on a real date—a 14-hour long first date, naturally. It included: ministry calls from a tree, hiking in Africa (Waco), the Lord’s manna (Chick-fil-A), slow dancing on old backroads, laying in the middle of the road until cars came (shoutout The Notebook), a field pass to midnight yell (WHOOP), hot chocolate on the back porch, and dancing in the rain. After that day, they were inseparable. In all seriousness, the Lord’s provision in bringing Bella and DJ together has been the clearest image either of them has seen of His faithfulness. Both had sworn off dating, but God met them in that place and used His gospel to soften and mold their hearts—not just for each other, but for His Kingdom. Bella and DJ wouldn’t be here today, preparing to enter into the covenant of marriage on January 4th, if not for the love of Christ. His life, death, and resurrection gives them the freedom and purpose they now live in, daily. Christ was the connecting piece. They first fell in love with each other’s faith—and everything else flowed from there. This sweet love they share is only possible because of the ooey-gooey love first shown to them by their Heavenly Father. MORE FROM BELLA & DJ: The grace, selflessness, and forgiveness we’ve shared throughout our relationship—though imperfect—has shown one another a glimpse of the love of Jesus. We believe that the daily surrender and sacrifice of marriage is one of the greatest ways the Lord will sanctify us, shaping us more and more into His image—and we are beyond excited to step into that journey for the rest of our lives. Thank you Jesus for a relationship that points solely to your goodness and faithfulness!!! We are overjoyed to enter into a covenant before the Lord, one that continually points us to our true Bridegroom, whom we eagerly await to bring us—His Bride—home. The God-winks and divine interventions that brought us together could fill pages in a book of the Lord’s faithfulness. And for now, the story goes: “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” —Matthew 19:6