Our story began with a walk down the aisle. Little did we know, it was a glimpse into our God’s plans for our future. Joseph and I were introduced at our dear friends’ wedding. He was a groomsman for his cousin, Dana and I was one of Kayla’s bridesmaids. We connected a little during the weeding weekend, but kept busy with the excitement and celebrations of the happy couple. We parted ways and I didn’t think anymore of it. But only for a few hours…. before I could even leave Willmar, Joseph reached out to ask me out on a date. Over the course of the summer, we shared several dates together to get to know one another. As the end of summer drew near and Joseph was preparing to head back to Chicago to finish his degree, we were faced with a decision. Could we make long distance work, or would we head separate ways? Without knowing what it would look like, it became very clear that God was not done with this journey we were on together. The next eight months were filled with many Skype calls and short visits as we learned how to pour into a long distance relationship. Although the Internet connection was often so unstable, Joseph’s love and intention was steady and constant. Through this time, we learned how to communicate and understand one another in such unique ways. Our patience and faith was tested as we relied on the council and leadership of God. Although this period of time wasn’t easy, it shaped our relationship in the best way possible. Joseph and I often look back at the seasons of our relationship and cannot help but give God all the glory. He has orchestrated such incredible timing throughout our relationship, bringing us together and preparing us for one another so beautifully. We are overjoyed to once again walk down the aisle together. Only this time, we will be stepping into our new life, together: as husband and wife!

Months later, I still have to remind myself that this day really was a reality. The plan was to spend all day together, celebrating my birthday. And I was prepared for just that. Joseph; however had a much more elaborate agenda. As Joseph arrived at my door that morning, he handed me a card, explaining that we would travel through some of the big milestones in our relationship. Our first stop was breakfast at the restaurant where Joseph asked me to be his girlfriend. It was the perfect way to start our day, reflecting on how much had happened in the past thirteen months. We then continued to spend the afternoon in Stillwater, the last date we went on before jumping into a long distance relationship. Our final destination brought us to where we shared our first date, Dodge Nature Center. We walked the trails for a while before Joseph stopped me. He told me to close my eyes and led me to a bench overlooking the pond. He sat me down and began to sing a song that he had written. This beautiful song walked through the journey we shared over the past year. I was overwhelmed with joy and completely speechless as I began putting pieces together. The next thing I knew, Joseph was down on one knee, asking to spend forever with him.