Hey everyone, this is Kurtis. Ellie asked me to write a brief overview of our story leading up to our engagement, to give you a look into how we got where we are today. Firstly, if you’re reading this, thank you for being a part of our lives, and our journey. Without the support of our community, I’m not sure where either of us would be. So if you would bear with me, allow me to tell you my most favorite story. When I was seven years old my family began coming to First Baptist Mount Dora. I remember as a young boy being extremely shy whenever Ellie would come around, or our families would arrange play dates. I remember my eyes always drifting her direction, but being too scared to ever talk to her. I would say around age 12, because of life happenings, I stopped frequenting the Church. For a number of years I didn’t even see Ellie, but she left an imprint on my mind that would never leave me. And as we all know God’s plan, and His timing are far better than our own. So God in all His goodness brought me back to the church, and Ellie back into my life. When I was 21 years old I gave my life to Christ, and made the decision to fully live my life for Him. It was because of that decision that I returned to my home First Baptist Mount Dora. Just a few months later, at the 2022 Christmas concert. Watching from the balcony, I saw the most beautiful woman that ever graced my eyes.  I knew in that moment, that all I wanted that year for Christmas, was to get her attention. It was the very same girl that had enamored me as a young boy. Her name is Ellie Jane. So for the next half year I tried everything I could to make just that happen. But as the good Lord would have it, it wouldn’t be until after a summer filled with prayer and surrender to him, from both of us, that our relationship would begin. He was teaching us to put Him first, and to keep Him as the center of our relationship. Over the next two years, our church family, loved ones and friends formed us. You all helped us grow and reminded us to keep that same foundation we had since the beginning. The Lord is at the center of it all. It is because of God’s goodness, the faithfulness of our inner circle, and our broader community that on January 12, 2026. 3 years to the day from our very first date, in the same spot of our first date. With the blessing of her family, and mine, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. Through every chapter of the story of us, this church, First Baptist Mount Dora, has always been the stage. It has always, and forever will be our home. So as we embark on a new journey of marriage and ministry, as we start this next book, this next part of our story; we thought it would only be fitting to have the most beautiful part of our story take place right where it all started. The church. We are over joyed, and can’t wait to see all of you there, and celebrate with you. Thank you for your love and support. Keep us in your prayers always.  “For I have found the one whom my soul loves” Song Of Solomon 3:4 (NKJV) With Love, the Groom to be Kurtis Brinkerhoff