Ethan and I should’ve never met - statistically speaking, at least. Our lives were completely separate: Ethan was born and raised in San Diego, and I grew up in Tampa. Until July 30th, 2023 in San José, Costa Rica. Ethan had just finished his first year of college, and I was about to start my last. We were both signed up for a mission trip to Costa Rica with our churches back home. During our week in Costa Rica, we built a friendship through serving others and shared lots of laughs, long bus ride chats, and late nights playing Mafia. Here’s where we have to give some credit to Ethan’s brother (and best man), Tyler. He was the one who strongly encouraged Ethan to get to know “the blonde girl from Florida.” On the last night, Ethan pulled me aside and asked if we could stay in touch. I agreed, assuming that would be where our story ended. But God had far bigger and better plans for us than we could have ever imagined! Over the next few months, our friendship grew. We learned more about each other’s lives, families, and hearts. From weekly phone calls that lasted hours to praying for and supporting each other across the country, we just wanted to know more and more about how God had created one another. We also have to give another shoutout to our dear friend, Clifford. He rallied the Florida mission trip gang to take a trip out to California. I thought it was crazy to stay with a family we’d only met once - for a whole week! But I booked my flight anyway, nerves and all. While in San Diego, we realized we wanted our strong foundation of friendship to be something more. After a long (and slightly dramatic) conversation on my last night in California, we decided to make things official! It was a scary step of faith for both of us -we’d never known anyone who had dated across the country and had no idea how God would work things out. Now, we can look back and say it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. From there, we started a year and a half of long-distance visits: exciting hellos and hard goodbyes, but we never doubted it was worth it. Thankfully, our favorite thing to do has always been to simply talk - sharing our hearts and where we see God in our days. I graduated college, moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and started my career. Ethan continued to work hard as a student and serve faithfully in his college ministry. We knew we wanted to close the distance as soon as we could. After months of Ethan applying to internships in Charlotte and almost losing all hope, he landed an amazing opportunity - and we finally got to end our long distance. Dating in person was like falling in love all over again. We learned more about each other, went on real dates, and finally flew in the same direction for a trip with my family to Costa Rica. Little did I know, Ethan had orchestrated the perfect plan to propose in Costa Rica, where we first met, two years later. Ethan, Emma, and I went on an early morning beach walk at the beautiful Playa Perfecto. When Ethan got down on one knee, it was the most surreal and sweet moment - and the easiest “yes” I’ve ever said! (Well… technically, I said “of course I will,” and Ethan loves to remind me of that.) Since then, we road-tripped across the country all the way from Charlotte to San Luis Obispo, and I officially became a California resident. We’re so excited to never have to do long distance again, and over the moon to marry each other. We are so thankful for every person who has played a part in our story. Most of all, we’re thankful that our story is not our own—it’s the Lord’s. Only He could have gifted us with this sweet joy of loving each other and getting to spend forever together. We can’t wait to celebrate and praise God with you on June 27th!