They met at Applebee's in Florida and Mike asked for Judi's phone number. After exchanging phone numbers, they became very close friends through caring for Judi's mom and also during COVID. Judi spent holidays and family events with Mike's family. They welcomed her as one of the family. They discussed their developing relationship many times, but Mike wasn't ready to move forward with marriage. So, Judi began going on dates with "Christian" men. She quickly found out that she had theological differences with most of them. When Mike found out she was dating, he decided he didn't want to risk losing her. At that point, he proposed and they began planning their wedding. Because of their 3 1/2 year friendship and common faith in Christ, they have a strong foundation on which to build their marriage.