Celebrate our Holy Matrimony!

Gabby: At a very young age, I began praying over a journal entry I wrote, which listed characteristics I hoped my future husband would hold. I kept this list close to my heart throughout the next couple of years but never sought anything since I was confident that God would show my husband in an obvious way. Fast forward to the end of 2019, I started working at Starbucks and met this incredibly charming and hilarious guy who coincidentally would be my future husband. We bonded over TV shows, restaurants, shared experiences, and our inexplicable desire to own a chicken coup in the future. Mutually, we agreed that an 8-hour shift, rudely interrupted by customers and coworkers, was not enough time to get to know each other. So we planned to see each other outside of work…but only as friends. I suggested a picnic at the top of Glen Abbey Cemetery (don't judge me until you see the view) and accidentally planned what turned into our first date. Josiah and I talked for 7 hours without realizing how much time passed. I felt like I was talking to someone who had been with me my whole life. There was never a dull or awkward moment with this man since he made me feel so at home with him. As our conversation progressed, I started mentally checking off qualities from that list I had created and prayed over for years. From our first date, I knew that he was everything I could ever want in a man, and over the past four years, he surpassed what younger me ever hoped for. I fully realize how blessed I am to love Josiah for the rest of my life and create a God-centered marriage and home with him. I am so excited to celebrate the beginning of our life together this January with all the people who have poured love into our relationship. Josiah and I hope you know how much we love you all. Josiah: Over the past four years, Gabby has made me a better man in ways I can’t explain. I knew from the start that she was the one for me because of how easily we clicked. She has shown me every day that this is true by seeing her love for the Lord, her kindheartedness, and, more recently, her determination through nursing school. I am so blessed to know that we will continue to grow our love through a lifetime of marriage with my best friend. Our proposal was on November 5th, 2022. We were atop Viejas mountain and Gabby thought she was just hanging out with my sister Isabella. I had secretly gotten her shifts covered for work and canceled her plans with friends for the night without raising suspicion. I was definitely nervous while waiting with friends and family for a white car in the distance to appear. But those nerves went away as soon she turned around and I saw her smile. She was completely surprised. Her face lit up because she knew exactly what was happening, and that this wasn’t just an ordinary night. The moment I said, “Will you marry me?” became the most important words I will speak besides the day we say, “I do”.