~Evan~ Our story began 13 years ago. You made friends with my parents and would come over on Sundays and during the summers, when I was home from college, we would spend time together—playing games, going on hikes, and baking. In 2017, I came back to live at home for a whole year before going off for my PhD. I thought about how much I was going to miss you and I realized that I had a crush on you. ~Amanda~ I loved that year we spent together, and I was really sad when you left. I knew I liked you, but life kept pulling us in different directions. It felt tricky to build something when we were never in the same place for long. ~Evan~ By 2023, I was starting to think about life after the PhD. I wanted a partner who shared my values and beliefs. I have high standards, and I didn’t see many people who fit what I was looking for. ~Amanda~ I was also ready for a partner and to build a life with someone. I remember thinking that none of the men I knew met my expectations. I also have high standards, and my friends love to remind me of that. Most importantly, I wanted someone who would pray with me, be a spiritual partner, and love Jesus. ~Evan~ That Christmas, you were celebrating with my family, and I remember you saying, “I wish somebody would marry me already!” That moment stuck with me because it made me realize you weren't dating anyone, and I already had feelings for you, so I started thinking maybe this was my chance. I was hesitant at first—I wanted to make sure we were truly compatible. ~Amanda~ At New Year’s, I spent the day with you and your family. My family was out of town because of the recent passing of my uncle and grandpa. I remember walking in, and your mom assigned you to look after me. You were so sweet, introducing me to everyone and making sure I felt comfortable. The whole time, I noticed how you kept an eye on me, making me feel safe and cared for. That overwhelming sadness I’d been carrying felt lighter when I was with you. We spent the day playing with your niece, Delia, and it felt so natural, like we were already a little family (aww). ~Evan~ I couldn’t stop thinking about my feelings for you. I knew I was moving back to Chicago that spring, and after talking with my sister-in-law, Cady, I decided to ask you out. In March, I nervously asked you to coffee. I was so afraid you’d say no. ~Amanda~ I remember having lunch with Cady when you texted me, and I completely freaked out! It wasn’t totally unexpected—Cady had hinted that you might have feelings for me and she thought we looked cute together with Delia. But when I saw your text, my mind went blank. And I remember Cady saying, “well, you have to reply!” And so I said “yes,” and we met up for coffee. We had what felt like a business meeting at first, talking about what dating would look like, our beliefs, and what we wanted out of life. And that’s how our nine-month journey of dating began. During those months, we fell deeply in love. You always say you fell in love first, but I always say I fell in love harder. ~Evan~ I knew after just a few months that I wanted to marry you. I came up with what I thought was a subtle plan to propose, but apparently, you knew it was coming from the start! I wanted to propose in a gazebo, just like you’d always wished. I arranged a photo shoot on Valentine’s Day for the proposal. When I got down on one knee and asked you to marry me, I'd never seen you smile so big and bright. ~Amanda~ That day was perfect. When you proposed, it felt like a dream come true. I knew then, just as I'd known for months, that you were the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. ~Evan & Amanda~ Our love story has been years in the making, filled with moments of friendship, missed connections, and finally, the realization that we were meant to be together. We’re so excited to start this new chapter, building a life rooted in love, faith, and shared dreams. We can’t wait to celebrate this journey with you all!