God’s plans are always greater than our own. Though neither of us felt ready to date given our past hurts, we both prayed about meeting each other. Through Elizabeth’s cousin, Rachel Connell, who I work with off and on in Dallas, we were introduced. And on May 28, 2024, after much prayer, we stepped out in faith and went on a blind date—a Dallas Mavericks game that would change our lives forever. From the start, I was captivated. Elizabeth was drop-dead gorgeous, charming, and hilarious, and I couldn’t get enough of her East Tennessee southern accent. For her, it was something small but telling—when she arrived (fashionably late, ha!), she noticed I had placed a cocktail napkin over her drink to keep bugs away, a small act of kindness that reminded her of her father. From that moment, we connected instantly, talking every day, FaceTiming, and making every effort to see each other in person, whether I drove to Dallas or she made the trip to Fort Worth. What truly drew me in, beyond her beauty, was her uncompromising, no-kidding, no-compromise faith. We weren’t just dating—we were growing in Christ together. We went to church, prayed for others, and read our Bibles together instead of just scrolling on our phones or watching TV. Our faith didn’t just play a role in our relationship—it was the foundation of it. Both of us had walked through traumatic valleys before finding each other. Yet, in His perfect time, He aligned two believers, equally yoked, to step into something greater than we could have imagined. (2 Corinthians 6:14) By Fall 2024, we both knew. God had made it so clear—this was meant to be. When He bangs down the door, you don’t ignore it! And so, on March 8, 2025, despite a proposal day where everything went wrong—bad weather, canceled flights, crazy traffic, and a schedule packed too tight—Elizabeth still said YES! And none of those hiccups mattered, because God’s hand was on our story all along. Now, as we prepare for marriage, we are filled with gratitude for the undeserved blessing of doing life together, walking in faith, and striving to impact the world for His Kingdom—whether in grand ways or small, faithful steps. With Christ at the center, we look forward to the life ahead, raising children to know Him, and holding fast to His promises. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12