It's about time!!

Kenzi - Ephraim and I met when we were 13 and 15 years old. We started off with small group conversations, a mutual fondness for each other, and hanging out at church in youth group with the occasional sports activities. It wasn’t until four years after we met that we formed a deeper connection. Ephraim easily became my best friend. We could talk for hours, yet it always felt like only minutes had passed. One night, we stayed on the phone talking until 6 a.m., and honestly, I don’t think either of us went to bed afterward. On June 20, 2021, we officially became boyfriend and girlfriend. Once we started dating, we became inseparable. I would wake up early just to bring him to school or pick him up afterward so we could spend even a few extra minutes together that day. We even FaceTimed once while he was taking orders at McDonald’s because we missed being around each other that much. Our relationship has always been consistent. Even during difficult times, our love for each other was never in question. Although we sometimes sound like a bickering old married couple, there is truly no one else I would rather spend my life with. Ephraim has made me feel loved in ways I never felt loved before, and life would be bland without him in it. I truly believe God blessed me with this man. Even through our trials and tribulations, my love for him has only grown stronger, and I know, God willing, we will build a beautiful and fulfilling life together. I love Ephraim, and we have talked about marriage since the day we made our relationship official in 2021. I am so excited to finally make that happen. He truly is the love of my life, and I am over the moon at the thought of spending the rest of it with him. Ephraim - From my first wild sighting of the elusive Mackenzi Jacob, I knew I wanted to be with her. I couldn’t have been older than 14, but in my mind I was already grown, and a grown man takes initiative (haha). I began trying to speak with her whenever I could, all while feigning friendship of the most innocent kind; she, of course, fell for it. After that, we were rarely seen apart. What started out as a one-sided silent onslaught quickly became an inseparable, budding love. It’s been quite some time since all of that, but I have not once changed my mind about wanting to marry this gorgeous woman of God. We have had so many little adventures together — from unexpected road trips with remote pickups to missing flights and lost IDs. God has continually blessed us with grace, for one another, lol, and support from many people. I praise God that we are able to celebrate this momentous day with you all. Thank you to everyone reading our story and being apart of our life. We appreciate all of you for the love and support you give. Ephraim Merritt & Mackenzi Jacob