We’re Getting Married!

David and Lesley met within the church community that had already taught them what it meant to belong. They attended the same young adult group, and at the time, David was also serving as a leader in the youth ministry where Lesley worked. Though they often shared the same spaces, it wasn’t until a thoughtful introduction from Lesley’s best friend, Kylee, that their story truly began. What followed was a series of conversations that felt intentional and meaningful from the very beginning. Even in group settings, they consistently found their way into one-on-one moments—talking, listening, and learning one another with ease. One evening after young adults, a conversation lingered longer than expected. Marked by sincerity and a shared love for Jesus, family, and the life God was shaping in them. Wanting to continue getting to know Lesley, David invited her to spend time together that weekend. They went to Handel’s Ice Cream, where what felt like a date unfolded naturally, even if it wasn’t clearly named at the time. Conversation flowed easily and without rush, stretching into hours as they talked about faith, family, and life. By the end of the night, David shared his intentions with clarity—expressing how much he had enjoyed being with Lesley and asking her on a proper date. Lesley felt the same joy and certainty. Their first official date took place on Valentine’s Day. David picked Lesley up with flowers and planned an evening in Costa Mesa, one of Lesley’s favorite places. Over dinner, they talked for hours, sharing laughter and meaningful conversation, before ending the night at an arcade, where a little friendly competition revealed just how well matched they were. Their second date brought them to Disneyland, a full day filled with great food & awesome conversation. That evening, standing in front of the castle, David asked Lesley to be his girlfriend—a moment they will always cherish (and happily laugh about). From the very beginning, their relationship felt sacred because they were experiencing it for the first time—together. They became each other’s first boyfriend and girlfriend, learning what it meant to love with intention, patience, and grace. Even the simple ways they spoke to one another carried meaning; “beautiful” and “handsome” became more than terms of endearment—they became reminders of how they chose to see each other. Over the next two and a half years, David and Lesley grew side by side—pointing one another to Christ, serving together in ministry, and walking through meaningful milestones. They celebrated Lesley’s final semester of Bible college and watched David embrace his calling to pastoral ministry as he began his own college journey. Along the way, they built relationships with each other’s families and did life with a close community of friends, filling their days with coffee dates, beach trips, and a deep gratitude for God’s steady faithfulness. On August 29, 2025, David planned an entire day in Newport, ending with a moment full of romance and so much joy. While out on a boat, surrounded by the beauty of the coast, David got down on one knee and asked Lesley to marry him. It was the greatest “yes” they have ever shared. As the song “Wonder” by Bethel played during the proposal, it captured the prayer of their hearts—to never lose a childlike wonder, awe, and love for Jesus. God has been faithful in every step of their story, and as they prepare for marriage and becoming one, their hope is to continue walking in that wonder, trusting Him fully in all that lies ahead.