FROM LUKE & KINLEY THE CRUSH “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11 Little did we know the plan the Lord had for our lives when we met the summer before eighth grade at a swim party. From the very beginning we knew we liked each other and after some time, we made the decision to wait to date until Luke turned sixteen and got his drivers license, so that he could drive us on a “real date”. We spent the next two years being driven around by our older sisters, going to school dances together, and constantly being asked when we were going to make it official. On New Year’s Eve, Luke asked Kinley on their first date, and the next day on January 1st 2021, we made it official! Our first date was in Georgetown Square - where our rehearsal dinner will be! THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT ALL “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” — Psalm 133:1 Over time, our lives became more and more unified. Through family vacations to Colorado and Florida, and so many memories in between, our families became one. James, Meredith, Ellie, and Ollie began to feel like Kinley’s second parents and siblings, and Rob, Kristi, Madi and Caden quickly became Luke’s. We feel so blessed to have a family that not only enjoys one another but is unified in love. They have been an incredible support system through our entire relationship – always pointing us back to the Lord and his promises for our lives! THE TRIALS “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28 As we grew up together, we experienced so much life side by side. We walked through the loss of his grandmothers, Nana and Mimi, her Granddaddy, and Kinley’s brother, Caden. We also faced challenges like a T1D diagnosis, moving for college, and long distance while Kinley was in London. Through every season, we leaned on each other and grew stronger together. Through it all, our faith has remained the foundation, and we have learned to trust Him more and lean on His strength. THE GIFT “I have found the one whom my soul loves.” — Song of Songs 3:4 We feel so blessed to be each other’s first love and to have loved each other since we were 15 & 16. Growing up side by side, learning love in its purest, simplest form, and still choosing each other and to trust the Lord every step of the way. Though we have faced many trials together, loving each other through it all has been the easiest ask. THE DAY “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” — Revelation 19:7 As we prepare for our day, we are especially aware of the sacredness of what marriage represents. We know it as a reflection of something far greater - the beautiful picture of Christ, the Bridegroom, and His bride. In that mystery, we feel both humbled and honored, knowing our covenant to come is meant to mirror His perfect love. And as we step into this promise, we do so with joy and reverence. We trust that heaven rejoices over what God brings together in love. We find comfort in the hope that those who have gone before us in faith are part of the great story of redemption that our marriage now reflects. As we prepare to get married on January 1st, it feels especially meaningful knowing it marks the same day as our very first date! We truly cannot imagine doing life without each other. We believe it is a gift to walk through every season together, and we are so thankful that God chose us to spend forever side by side.