Mark and Stephanie’s love story didn’t begin like a scene from a romantic comedy—no spontaneous meeting in a marketplace or serendipitous spark over casual conversation. Instead, their journey unfolded gradually, over the course of several years, from a simple passing encounter to something truly divine. The very first time their paths crossed, they weren’t formally introduced. Mark had been invited to speak at a youth service, while Stephanie was the guest soloist—both brought in by a mutual friend. At the close of the service, they exchanged brief waves and polite acknowledgment before going their separate ways. A few days later, Mark sent Stephanie a friend request on Facebook. From time to time, they would interact casually, with no idea what the future would hold. But as fate—or rather, divine orchestration—would have it, that brief moment would be the seed of something much greater. Years later, Mark and Stephanie both found themselves on a Christian dating site, only to be matched as ideal partners. Still, the timing wasn’t quite right. They were in different seasons of life, and though the opportunity passed, God’s timing remained perfect—as it always is. Fast forward to 2022: Stephanie launched a podcast aimed at exploring the realities, questions, and challenges faced by Christian singles. Wanting a well-rounded cast that included both male and female perspectives, she reached out to four individuals—one of whom was Mark. His witty, engaging Facebook posts had always stood out, and she felt his sense of humor would bring a fun, lighthearted dynamic to the group. As it turned out, she was right. The podcast quickly became a hit with family, friends, and a growing online audience. The chemistry among the cast was undeniable—but it was the unmistakable connection between Mark and Stephanie that caught everyone's attention. One evening, after spending time with the podcast crew, Mark and Stephanie finally acknowledged what everyone else had already sensed. They went on their first date—and that one evening was all it took. By the end of the night, Mark was smitten. Just four days later, they officially became a couple, and six months after that, Mark proposed to Stephanie at her 40th birthday celebration, surrounded by her closest family and friends. Mark often says he fell in love with Stephanie on their very first date—and maybe there’s truth to the saying, “When you know, you know.” Their story is a beautiful testament to true love and God’s perfect timing. With hearts devoted to serving both God and one another, their marriage is not only blessed—it is destined to be a blessing to others for years to come.