“The heart of man plans his way, But Yahweh directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Jesse and Melanie first met on Saturday, May 10, 2025, when Melanie volunteered at Children’s Hunger Fund in San Antonio. Jesse, who was working that day, asked if she needed any assistance. For Jesse, it was love at first sight, but being on the clock, he stayed professional and let her walk away, though in his mind, he thought he had missed his chance. (Side note: Melanie didn’t notice him much that day, but God had other plans!) A few weeks later, on Saturday, June 21, both Jesse and Melanie showed up at the Born Again Run Club at Flower Girl Coffee on Broadway and 9th. As God would have it, Jesse was asked to take a photo of Melanie and a friend. When they locked eyes, the world seemed to pause as they remembered each other instantly. Melanie invited Jesse to grab a coffee afterward. It was just coffee, and they went their separate ways, but Jesse couldn’t get her out of his mind. Not long after, he came across Melanie’s Instagram. They began following each other and chatting, though Melanie might say she was playing hard to get. Eventually, she gave Jesse a chance, and on Friday, June 27, they went on their first date at Cheesy Jane’s followed by dessert at Laika. They spent hours talking about books, hobbies, and their shared love for Christ. That night, Jesse knew she was someone special. Over the next few weeks, they spent time together, met each other’s friends and family, and their relationship grew deeper. On Friday, July 11, during a Night Glow Run hosted by Born Again Run Club, Jesse officially asked Melanie to be his girlfriend. Months later, during a trip to California to visit Jesse’s family, and after much prayer and seeking the Lord’s guidance, Jesse proposed to Melanie on Wednesday, October 1, at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers won that night and advanced in the playoffs, but there was an even greater victory in their hearts as Jesse and Melanie said yes to God’s plan for their lives. They both recognize that none of this was by chance. Their paths crossing at Children’s Hunger Fund was not an accident; it was the Lord’s perfect timing. To this day, Jesse and Melanie give thanks to God for blessing them with one another. As we prepare to say “I do” on May 2, surrounded by family and friends, our deepest desire is that God would be the center of our marriage and glorified in our union. We are so thankful for the love and support of those around us and are looking forward to celebrating our big day with you! “We love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)