Dearest Friends and Family, We hope all of you are safe and well. In support of the effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and to prioritize the health of our community, we have made the decision to cancel our wedding next Saturday. That said, not even a worldwide pandemic could keep us from saying our vows and committing our lives to one another on the day we have both been praying about for months! So on March 28, 2020, we plan to fulfill our marriage covenant before God and a few witnesses in a small, private ceremony with our pastor and members of our immediate family. Thank you all again for your continued support through what has been a trying and truly unprecedented time in the world. We are beyond grateful for each of your friendships and have felt so incredibly loved by the outpouring of encouragement, prayer, and generosity towards us throughout the planning process and especially over the last 2 weeks. In light of the current circumstances, we would be more than happy to return your gifts to you if you would provide us your return details. For those of you at home, we hope this time of social distancing brings you respite from work, more time with your loved ones, and the chance to hit pause and lean into whatever brings you joy! And to our healthcare friends on the front lines--you are the true heroes! Love, Grace & George

SETTING THE [FIELD] This fairy tale love story could have begun in the fall of 2017 on the lush, green pastures of Fairmount Park's flag football field--George, a coach & Grace, a player. But alas, it doesn't. We wish we could tell you that it was love at [first down]...but it was more like third down...and about a year later. PAINTING THE LINES In May of 2018, Grace's family attends service at Renewal while in town for the weekend. George innocently makes his way over to wish Grace a happy birthday, and she politely introduces this near-stranger to her family standing beside her. At lunch, her brother Mike suggests that George is "definitely interested in her" and that she should keep an open mind when he "inevitably asks her out". Grace chalks it up to crazy presumption and laughs it off. RECRUITING THE TEAM Grace "casually" shares this ludicrous story with a few of her close friends (perhaps subconsciously seeking affirmation from the close-knit RSN...#iykyk). Fortuitously, the gears start turning for matchmaker Lydia Suk, whose wingwoman instincts take over. MAKING THE PLAYBOOK The newfound acquaintances decide to kick off the summer season at Bok Bar with some mutual friends one night. For all intents and purposes, Grace insists she is not interested. Unbeknownst to her, however, Lydia nudges George to act on feelings he'd secretly entertained for years, but never believed he'd pursue. All of a sudden, the impossible seems possible. PLAYING THE GAME First Down: George proceeds to ponder things through. Grace admittedly wonders what's taking him so long (SHORT GAIN). Second Down: George offers to walk Grace home one night in the pouring rain. Grace fully expects George to ask her out upon arriving at her door, but he does not (DROPPED THE PASS). Time-out: Grace is surprised by her level of disappointment. Third Down: George and Grace begin talking nonstop. He asks her out (in riddle form) shortly after, and Grace accepts (HALLELUJAH, MOVE THE CHAINS)!

Early on in their relationship, George shares that he feels strongly about dating through the four seasons, both figuratively and literally. So as the crisp, romantic days of fall gradually led into the character-building, bitter cold of winter, and as bleak and rainy days made way for renewal and redemption come spring, George prayed that he and Grace would continue to rely on God through the highs and lows of past, present, and future. And whenever Grace would grow impatient (which was often), he would gently remind her of this. [THE PHILLY SPECIAL] Fourth down: George decides to bend the knee. This "special" play required masterful scheming, impeccable timing, and most importantly, teamwork. On the evening of August 2nd, 2019, George sets the play in motion by covertly inviting the couples' closest friends and family to Grace's Center City apartment. Each and every individual had played an integral role in their relationship, and they all stood to represent one of the four seasons of them dating. With Grace all alone in her apartment, George sends in one group at a time to read Grace a letter he'd written and asks that they conclude their time praying over her. As the last group, Grace's family escorts her to the rooftop where George is standing, ready to receive the touchdown pass.