We're so happy you're here.

Jalen and I were introduced months before 5.29.22 but we intentionally decided to "meet" on this day after I (Camille) asked him repeatedly to hangout. We went for ice cream after church and spent hours talking and laughing. The months leading up to this were filled with the same moments of conversation and laughter, but in group settings through our church. We both were welcomed to Renovation Church by the same person (shout out to Dave Cruz) but months apart. We started volunteering at the same time, in different capacities- Camille doing Tech in the back and Jalen singing on the Worship Team. This was October, 2021. God had our paths cross perfectly- long enough for us to see the beauty and worthiness of love the other holds. After some intentionally sought after conversations, and realizing how deeply we loved and cared for one another, we started spending time together. The summer of 2022 was so blissful, full of "see you soon," "next time," and late night dates. On 8.28.22, under our favorite tree in Delaware Park, we played a getting-to-know-you card game and Jalen mysteriously slipped in a create-your-own card written, "Will you be my girlfriend?" It was wonderful and sweet and the most intentional moment, knowing that question would someday have a follow-up. We feel incredibly thankful to know that God had His hand in our lives before we ever had intentions or desires to be in one another's, and are grateful for every day ahead!

Jalen hijacked a date-day planned by Camille. Camille had a Saturday planned to pretend that "life wasn't life-ing" because there was just a lot of chaos going on. Camille promised Jalen a day away from that. Using this-or-that index card options, written by Camille, our day was more determined blindly by fate, depending on which index card Jalen chose. Starting at the farmer's market, to a hike at the Niagara Gorge, breakfast in Lewiston, then painting in Delaware Park was up next. When we finished painting under "our tree" we laid down on a blanket and listened to music. After a few moments on the blanket, Jalen reached into his bag and pulled out two index cards... Camille: "What! How are you beating me at my own game!?" Jalen: "I wanted to join in on the fun. Choose one!" Camille chose a card, which both read the same thing, "Will you marry me?" In our spot, under our tree, with just the two of us, Jalen proposed- just like when he asked Camille to be his girlfriend. It was a simple and sweet proposal, the most beautiful ring, and full of anticipation of sharing with family and friends as we announced our engagement over the course of the next month.