We’re getting married!

https://livestream.com/accounts/12785246/events/10073687

I met Elizabeth at a friend’s church gathering in Alexandria, VA. Shortly after arriving with my friends, I saw an attractive, tall blonde who was helping in the kitchen. I immediately thought, “Who is that?!” Later that afternoon, I not-so-subtly asked my buddy who the beautiful blonde was. He smiled & said, “Elizabeth.” Throughout the evening, my good looks and irresistible charm were too much for her which enabled me to beat her in a game of pictionary. She succumbed easily to my subtle wit and often under-appreciated humility. Later that evening, my friend very wisely invited Elizabeth and me over to his home for what would become an almost monthly tradition of game nights. Elizabeth often used her strong, feminine powers to overwhelm my senses and logic. It wasn’t until I moved to Texas six years ago that Elizabeth and I transitioned from “just friends” to more. Two missed calls, multiple dates & plane rides, one brief “break,” and countless video chats later… and we’re getting married! Although it has had many ups and downs, twists and turns, I would not trade the road our relationship has taken for any other.

Nathan and I met at a church gathering while he was visiting some mutual good friends, James & Robin. I remember seeing this new tall guy lingering by the food table, but have little memory of the rest of that gathering. However I was all in for the afterparty at our friends’ house, where I vividly remember a steady stream of competitive victories. (I quickly observed that the banter-experience I’d developed through a lifetime with siblings easily gave me the upper hand. It was a delight.) The frequent game nights that followed with our wonderful friends are some of my favorite memories. Through those years I also learned that not only was Nathan charming and fun, he also was a man of deep principle and strong character. He waited graciously and patiently pursued me. As we grew closer, he stood by me in such a caring way through some of the hardest moments of my life. As he moves from best friend to life-long love, I couldn’t be more grateful for the Lord’s wise Providence in every turn of our story.

... we often look back and talk about God’s faithful hand that is so evident in every part of our lives, both the hard and the good. We can’t wait to watch His faithfulness continue in this next season as we shift our long-distance relationship into a life together…in the same city for the very first time!

I will extol You, my God and King, and bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I bless you and praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.