We first met in 2022 while serving in the Kid’s Ministry at First Orlando — Douglas had just started volunteering with the preteens, and I was working part time on staff. We barely spoke at first, but I learned he worked for the same construction company as my brother and I could see he carried a quiet southern charm. After I stepped into a new career and was no longer around the ministry, Douglas finally gained the courage to reach out to the pastor’s daughter. We started messaging every day and he asked if I’d like to grab dinner sometime in the near future. I said, “Sure! How about tonight?” — not realizing he had to call out last minute from his league’s softball game to meet me (which is a big deal if you know Douglas). That night marked the beginning of something truly special. We are both 35, and we’ve spent years praying, waiting, and trusting God’s timing for the one He had for each of us. Our story is a reminder that His plans are always worth the wait. From the very beginning, our relationship has been rooted in faith, friendship, and a shared desire to honor Him. We’re overwhelmed with gratitude as we begin this next chapter as husband and wife, and we’re so thankful to celebrate it with those who have walked with us along the way.

On Monday, April 7th, 2025 — our two-year dating anniversary — I woke up knowing it was the day I would ask Hannah to spend forever with me. I had everything planned: a full day filled with several of her favorite things. We started at a local plant nursery and I told her she could choose one plant to bring home (she, of course, chose a tree). Then we wandered through an antique store — laughing and exploring. She found a beautiful piece with a map of Florida (which will one day hang on the wall in our home). But the best part was still to come. I told her there was one more surprise and drove us to Kraft Azalea Garden, where my sister (our photographer) was waiting. She had helped me set up rose petals shaped into a heart, with our favorite song playing. My heart was racing as we walked into the garden. There was a small wedding taking place when we were walking through the trees and we both started tearing up. And then she saw the heart and REALLY started crying. I took Hannah’s hand, led her to the center of the heart, got down on one knee, and asked her to spend the rest of her life with me. She said yes. We thanked God, cried, danced, and celebrated a moment that I had prayed over and planned for — a moment we’ll never forget and one that only God could have written so perfectly.