Ethan and Hannah met at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., in the fall of 2015, Ethan’s first year as a graduate student and track coach, and the beginning of Hannah’s junior year as a nursing student and a member of the track team. An injury that fall forced Hannah to sit out a majority of the practices, giving her and Ethan plenty of time to chat while they watched the other athletes train. It was during these chats that they learned they had much in common in addition to a love for track and field – an interest in history, a desire to serve others, and above all, a love for Christ and a deep desire to grow closer to Him. A close friendship soon developed, and as that friendship progressed, they both realized that there was a potential for something more…. In November of 2016, Ethan and Hannah finally addressed the obvious – the friendship was progressing toward a relationship (Cue the countdown to graduation!). Believing the relationship had potential, and being interested in moving to the East Coast anyway, Ethan spent the spring searching for a job in the Boston area, finding one at Gordon College, just 20 min. from Hannah’s parents’ house (and just 10 min. from Hannah’s eventual apartment). The first date was May 29, 2017, two days after Hannah’s graduation, and one day after Ethan’s. Not a typical first date, as they already knew each other well (and atypical for the fact that most first dates don’t include a three-hour shopping excursion to pick out clothes for the guy’s new job), but a good one, and the start of a great relationship.

As the relationship continued, it became clear that it was heading toward marriage. Ethan and Hannah talked, deciding in the summer of 2018 that they were ready to make that commitment and eyeing the fall as a good time to get engaged. On October 27, 2018, with his cousins, visiting from Minnesota, sneakily taking pictures and video, and their parents (Ethan’s parents, secretly) waiting at Hannah’s parents’ house to celebrate, Ethan proposed to Hannah in the atrium of the JFK Presidential Library and Museum in South Boston. Considering that Ethan and Hannah had discussed a fall engagement, one would think that a fall proposal could lack the element of surprise. That notion was quickly dispelled, however, as Hannah exclaimed, “Wait, are you proposing?”, following that up with, “Wait, are you really proposing??”, the latter question coming as Ethan was on one knee with the ring box open. Oh, and at some point, she also said, “Yes!”

We cannot wait to embark on this lifelong journey of love, sacrifice and adventure, supported by family and friends, and rooted in a mutual love of the Lord. We are so thankful for each and every one of you, and are honored to have you share our special day with us.