we're getting married!

Elliot and Leah met in August of 2020 on a dating app during the peak of the COVID pandemic. Elliot had moved from Wheaton, IL to Grand Rapids, MI just three weeks prior (for his job, more outdoor recreation, and a bigger dating pool) and while Leah likes to joke that she "just got there first" there is no denying that there was connection right from the start. They matched on a Thursday and Elliot facetimed Leah on Friday from his red pickup truck (sunglasses on, one hand on the steering wheel and one looped around the passenger side headrest). He asked her on a date to the local grocery store the following Wednesday (because, well, COVID) and the next week they went on a walk to the local wine shop where they split his favorite bottle out of coffee mugs on the picnic tables in the back. One surprise fried chicken and mac and cheese date that Leah planned later...Elliot's heart had been won and Leah had decided...I'm marrying this one. "FINALLY! A man that loves tall women!" she thought. Their season of dating was not one of honeymoon phases or rose colored glasses. They started their relationship amidst the rawness of new careers, new homes, promotions, pandemics, demotions, Leah buying a house, Elliot losing a job, a period of unemployment, diagnosis, and the eventual loss of Leah's mother. Though difficult at times, the Lord was faithful to them through each and every moment. Just as Jesus first chose us, Leah and Elliot made the decision to continue to choose one another through each new challenge, each new joy, and each new chapter. It has been hard, and it has been good. Elliot asked Leah to be his wife on December 16th, 2023 on a hike just the two of them on a weirdly snowless Saturday morning in Michigan. "WAIT. Is this happening right now for real?! You have to start over!" She said when Elliot grabbed her hands and started saying all the nice things to her. It's been a stretchy 3.5 years. There is no doubt about it. Life has been nothing like what they thought it would be. Yet, they stand on the mountain today and rejoice in the journey that has brought them to marriage, and praise God for his goodness and provision in their lives. They would be honored to celebrate their union with you this spring, and hope you will join us for worship, a party, and a rip roarin' good time!