We're getting married!

Saturday, November 4, 2017. That was the day everything changed for us. Neither of us could have really anticipated anything in our lives seriously changing that day, but they most certainly did. Bethany, at the time, in addition to working at a church in Vegas, was the volunteer director of a yearly ministry event held for middle and high school girls. Michael was asked to help lead worship for the event, which was hosted at the Christian school, where he works, in Henderson, NV. After a day of very minimal interactions with one another, Michael just couldn't swing the thought that Bethany was worth getting to know. In Michael's words, "For some reason I couldn’t get her out of my mind the rest of the day. I had prayed, prior to that day, that the Lord would allow me to meet someone at the event. I figured, why not find a wife at a women’s ministry event! But I don’t know that I really and truly expected it to happen." After praying, finding her on Facebook, connecting with a mutual friend in order to ascertain whether or not she was actually single, and then crafting the perfectly worded Facebook message, Michael asked Bethany out for coffee... ...and she said yes.

How do you get your prospective bride to be to travel about three hours north of Las Vegas without her suspecting you are going to propose? Well... Being a teacher and Student Pastor, Michael planned a High School hiking trip to Kanarra Falls Creek in Utah, just north of Zion National Park on Saturday, July 20, 2019. Originally it was meant to be simply a fun hiking trip, and Bethany planned on joining for the day. Before too long... actually, just two days before the hike, it became apparent that the timing of the hiking trip would be ideal to surprise Bethany by driving her up into Zion in order to propose. So, without further ado, the planning began. After enjoying a great time with the students, we made a pit stop at the Texaco station on route 9, just off of the 15 in Utah. While Bethany, along with the student ministry leaders, and the students all went in to grab snacks and use the restroom, Michael feverishly grabbed all of the bags and ran across the parking lot, where Bethany’s best friend had left a car, unbeknownst to Bethany. After telling Bethany that she was needed outside, Michael ushered Bethany towards the parked car, then the 40 minute ride up to Zion began. The ride was complete with personal, hand-written notes, as well as videos from some of Bethany's dearest friends and loved ones. Upon arriving in Zion, and each having time to get ready, Bethany was led to an area surrounded by trees, the sound of water gently cascading over the smooth river stones, and a spectacular view of the mountains. It was in this spot that Bethany was given one final letter from Michael. As she finished reading the letter, he walked up behind her., and upon turning around, Michael got down on one knee to propose and... you guessed it... ...she said YES!!!