Our story began with a blind date—something neither of us would normally do, but one we both felt led to try. On September 27, 2024, we met for coffee at Starbucks, not knowing that a simple cup of coffee would mark the beginning of something truly special. From that day on, we quickly became best friends. Countless hours were spent walking around downtown New Bern, enjoying date nights, sharing laughs, and learning more about one another. After just a few dates, it became clear that the Lord had intentionally brought us together. On December 30, 2025, Joseph proposed to Samantha along the water in his parents’ backyard at sunset after a surprise date day. Unbeknownst to Samantha, Joseph had arranged for her parents and grandmother to be there to share in the moment. After she said “yes,” we celebrated together with our parents and reflected on the journey that had led us to that special moment. As we take the next step in our journey, we look forward to making a lifelong covenant of marriage with one another and before God. Whether you have been a part of our story for years or just a short time, you have played a role in our lives, and we are so grateful. We cannot wait to celebrate with you what the Lord has done in bringing us together!