Melanie walked into my life in July of 2018, when she arrived at my house for a Monday night Bible study. Over the next year and a half, I noticed that she was a girl who enjoyed a good adventure. Whenever we went hiking or took a trip to the beach or played mini golf, there was Melanie. I started to question myself - did I have feelings for her? On January 5th, 2020, I found the nerve to ask her on a date. It went well, so we planned a second, then a third. On January 30th, we became "official." A month and a half later, the world shut down, but that couldn't stop us. We went on hikes six feet apart, wrote an absurd amount of letters, and dressed in our fanciest clothes for FaceTime dinner dates. Through the pandemic and all the challenges it presented, I kept finding new reasons to fall in love with her. When we finally spent time together less than six feet apart, it was a whole new rush. Through deep conversations, I came to understand more and more about Melanie, her gentleness, kindness, love for others, her passions, and her future hopes. For years I had waited, praying to God for a woman like Melanie, and here she was. My dad summed it up neatly: "Jordan, you sound like a man who has found a hidden treasure." He was right. Melanie was a treasure, and as time progressed and our relationship deepened, I knew that I wanted her for myself. And so, on February 27th, I suggested that we hike up to Lizards Mouth. I had a small ring box tucked in my pocket. Never in my life had I felt such intense anticipation. As we watched the sun set over the Santa Barbara coast, I turned toward Melanie and asked her to marry me. She said yes. I could not be more excited and honored to have such a fantastic partner to share my life with. And so the adventure begins...

Did I think he was cute? Yes! Did I think he was funny? Absolutely! Did I think he was an incredible follower of Jesus? 100%! But did I think Jordan would ever ask me out? No way! And yet, on January 5, 2020, he asked me out to our first date at the art walk in Santa Barbara! And we officially became a couple on January 30 over a puzzle in my backyard. We enjoyed almost 2 amazing months of dating before we became a "socially distanced" couple. During the ups and downs of COVID, we wrote each other letters, took socially distanced hikes, and went on fancy dinner dates over FaceTime. When we came back together again, I felt so thankful. Our conversations got deeper, our adventures got more exciting, and our relationship grew into love for each other. I got to meet the incredible Branch family, and he got to meet my wonderful Mom and her loving husband, Keith. Getting to know Jordan's family and spend time with them was and is such a blessing to me. January 30, 2021: One year of dating! I was so excited, I thought I could keep dating this guy forever. And fortunately for me, on February 27, 2021, he asked me to marry him, and now I really can date him forever! He took me up to Lizards Mouth in Santa Barbara with a beautiful view of the city and asked to spend his life with me. It took me by complete surprise! I was so happy and thankful. God had brought the man of my dreams into my life, and now we get to marry each other! We're gonna marry each other so good. So, why do I love Jordan? That's easy! He's cute, funny, and follows Jesus, as I mentioned, but his character goes so much deeper! He desires to follow Jesus with his whole heart and his whole life. He cares deeply for the people in his life. He is passionate and believes strongly in people's ability to grow and face challenges. He is going to do great things for the kingdom of God. I'm already planning his 100th birthday party, and you're all invited! XOXO, Mel