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Kathlyn Godinez

&

Matthew Swendsen

April 10, 2026

Aliso Viejo, CA
5 days5 d4 hours4 h47 minutes47 min12 seconds12 s

Our Story

Our story began the old-fashioned way: at church… after meeting online (proof that God can work through dating apps too). When we met in person for the first time, we shared lunch and then did what any perfectly normal couple would do on a first date—went to the driving range. Between missed golf balls and lots of laughter, something special began to grow. A few months later, we officially started dating and quickly discovered how much we loved being outdoors together. From hiking through national parks to long days at the beach, we found that our favorite place was anywhere we could explore side by side. Before long, Sunday church dates became a constant, and so did building a life centered on faith, family, and community. Kathlyn grew up in the Philippines, where faith and family were the foundation of everyday life. Matthew grew up in the Seattle–Tacoma area, shaped by a love for sports, strong family bonds, and (of course) good coffee. Though our beginnings were different, God was forming the same values in each of us long before our paths crossed. Early in our relationship, we also walked through seasons of loss. After only a few dates, we walked through seasons of grief—Kathlyn experienced a loss within her family, and Matthew mourned the passing of a close friend. In those moments, we learned the meaning of true partnership: leaning on God, showing up for one another, and trusting His plan even when it was hard to understand. That season, though heavy, strengthened our faith and rooted our relationship in compassion, patience, and grace. Different beginnings, shared faith, and countless adventures later, here we are—grateful for God’s faithfulness, the love of family and friends, and a love story written with purpose. We thank God for leading us to each other and for the joy of choosing one another every day, hand in hand, with Him at the center.