J: I love that our story is such a reflection of God's perfect plan. I started teaching at Shultz (formerly Woodrow Wilson), which happened to be where Zach went to school back in the day. One of the women I work with asked if I wanted to go on a date with someone (thanks Nancy!). I needed to put my best people on it to dig up some information before I agreed (Thanks Jordan!). It ended up coming down to wise counsel telling me to suck it up and go (Thanks Karen!), so I eventually said yes. Z: My apprentice Noah who is Nancy's son asked me the same thing. I immediately agreed... J: Listen! I'm not a quick decision maker! Anyway, after about 3 dates, I was like wrap him up, he's the one. I haven't looked back sense! Z: We realized along the way a seemingly random set up had so many strings already intertwined. If we hadn't met the way we did, God could've brought us together anyway. J: Every step of the way I have had peace from the Lord. I learned to trust Him as He revealed His plan to me, and I realized it was better than anything I had ever prayed for all along. Zach is my biggest blessing!

Zach and I are blessed to have so many wonderful examples of marriage in our lives. Both of our parents and grandparents have truly shown us what a life of sacrificial, selfless, flawed, but saved by Christ marriages look like. On June 2, 1960, S.C. Maynard married Betty Karney. While deployed by the United States Marine Corps, S.C. began to correspond with a friend of his sister Liz. They sent letters back and forth and both were anticipating the day they could finally meet in person. When that time finally came, it was love at first sight. Betty saw him walk by her place of employment so she walked up behind him, slipped her hand into his and said, "I think you are looking for me". Thus began their over 62 year love story. 4 kids, 9 grandkids, and 16 great grandchildren later, their legacy is timeless. It is one of commitment, love, and laughter. Most importantly, Christ has been at the center of it all. Although their marriage was not without its hardships and trials, it is the best earthly example I know of how Christ loved the church. When picking a day to begin our story I knew it had to be June 2nd, even if it's a Monday! It felt like the perfect way to honor the example of marriage my grandparents have set for me. June 2, 2025 would've been their 65th anniversary. Even though S.C. has joined Christ in our heavenly home, we know he will be there with us June 2nd, and without a doubt will be the first one on the dance floor.