We first met in high school during our sophomore year, just two students crossing paths without realizing God was already writing something special. By junior year, we became friends, the kind of friendship that felt natural and effortless, built on laughter, trust, and simply enjoying each other’s company. At the time, it was nothing more than friendship, and that was more than enough. Senior year brought a small decision that would change everything. Along with two other friends, we made a pact to go to homecoming together, purely as friends or so we thought. In the months leading up to homecoming, we spent countless hours FaceTiming, talking through decisions, and planning together. It was during this time, in the conversations, laughter, and shared moments, that our friendship began to deepen and our hearts started to grow closer. By the time homecoming arrived, what had quietly blossomed between us was undeniable. Feelings had emerged from friendship and love had begun to take root. After homecoming, our story did not suddenly become easy. There were bumps along the road, moments that tested our patience, strengthened our communication, and challenged us to grow. We never walked away from one another. Instead, we chose to grow together, learning what it truly means to love with grace, understanding, and commitment. Through every season, God was working even when we could not always see it. What felt like challenges were really moments of preparation. In His perfect timing, God was shaping our hearts and teaching us how to trust Him and lean on one another. Each season strengthened our faith and deepened our bond. God has always been at the center of our relationship. Through Him, we have learned what true love looks like, the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13: patient and kind, not self-seeking, and keeping no record of wrongs. We know we are not perfect, but we strive every day to love each other the way God loves us, a love that is unending and faithful. As it is written in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This reminder of His great love inspires us to extend patience, kindness, and grace to one another every day, choosing forgiveness, service, and love in all we do. Today, we look back with grateful hearts on every step of our journey, from high school friends to lifelong partners. Our love story is not one of perfection, but of faith, growth, and God’s perfect timing. As we step into marriage, we do so confident that the same God who guided us from the very beginning will continue to lead us, hand in hand, heart to heart, and always with God at the center.