We first met at Jac’s Cekola’s Pizza in Portage,MI after a night of soccer. Grant had arrived before me, and as God would have it, our teams ended up joining at the same table. When I walked in, I had no idea I was about to meet the person who would change my life. We talked the entire evening. It felt like we had known each other for years. By the end of the night, we exchanged numbers — both surprised that, despite so many shared friends and connections, our paths had never crossed before. Looking back, we know it wasn’t coincidence. It was God’s perfect timing. From that first conversation, something just felt different — peaceful, right, full of purpose. That night was only the beginning of the story He was writing for us.

Golf has always been something special to us — one of our favorite ways to unwind and spend time together. So when Grant said our friends were tagging along to Stoatin Brae in Augusta, MI to take photos for one of their sport portfolios (she’s a photographer), I didn’t think twice. I wasn’t even playing that day, but when we got to Hole 2, Grant handed me a putter and asked me to take a shot for the camera. I made the putt. When I turned around, he was down on one knee. In that moment, everything stopped. I was completely surprised, overwhelmed with happiness, and so incredibly thankful. In the middle of something familiar, Grant gave me a moment I’ll never forget. He asked me to be his forever — and through happy tears, I said yes. Now, Hole 2 will always be more than just part of a golf course. It’s where our forever began.