In 2021, I (Kelly) was trying to figure out where to live. I had spent 5 years in the heart of Washington, DC and then a year and a half “passing COVID” in New Hampshire with my family. New Hampshire felt a bit too cold for me. So, after much prayer and deliberation, I set my sails for Charlotte in August 2021. Our good family friend, Lou, thought it would be a great fit for what I was looking for. Meanwhile, Nick was in Bible Study Fellowship with Lou’s husband, John, who quickly brokered an introduction. Our first date was at Brakemans Coffee in September 2021. Nick did 90% of the talking. ;) A few months later we got dinner & bowled. Nick brought his own bowling ball and bowling shoes, all stowed in a vintage bowling bag! I wondered, is this endearing… or strange? But I settled on endearing and was pleasantly surprised what a wonderful time I had with him. Yet anytime we made plans after that, something happened that blocked our plans: I got COVID, Nick was delayed traveling, then I sustained a random chiropractic neck injury. It became comical and I eventually figured God was clearly keeping this door closed. Little did I know it wasn’t a closed door; it simply wasn’t God’s timing. Another year would pass before God’s plan began to unfold in Spring 2023. On the rainy Saturday before Easter Sunday, we met for lunch then spontaneously spent a few hours walking around RH. We jokingly refer to this as our "third first date." Seven months later Nick proposed at the same place. This year has been a gracious display of God’s kindness in our lives… and so much fun! I’ve been bestowed an in depth baseball education (Go Phillies!), introduced to all sorts of PBS British mysteries, and we have had the joy of serving our church together. God indeed makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). I am grateful to God for the gift of Nick and pray that God is glorified in our marriage. 🤍 Thank you for being our treasured family and friends who have shared the journey with us. We can't wait for June 1 with you!