IdleWilde Event Center located in Indian Springs State Park 678 Lake Clark Rd, Flovilla, GA 30216

Women: Long floral dresses. Springy florals encouraged! Men: Sunday best—think khakis and a button-up

It was a sunny week in May 2024 when Joshua began a discipleship and training program called “C2,” designed for young adults in ministry. Kristen’s church was deeply involved in the program. At the time, Kristen was serving as a youth group leader at her church, this is where Joshua gave his first sermon. During Joshua’s first sermon, he asked, “Who in this room feels they are at a good place with the Lord?” Kristen, sitting quietly in the back, was the only one to raise her hand. Joshua didn’t realize it then, but God was gently highlighting his future wife. At first, they didn’t think much of each other. But the following weekend, Kristen visited C2 with friends, and that’s when everything changed. That evening, they played ping pong for hours, not keeping score, just talking nonstop. Something sparked, but they both chose to wait and see. Kristen was in a season of seeking the Lord wholeheartedly, content in Him and not looking for a relationship. Joshua caught her attention, but she kept her heart guarded. Meanwhile, Joshua, having learned from past relationships, was determined to pursue marriage intentionally. He wanted to be slow, prayerful, and sure. Kristen prayed for months: “Lord, if this isn’t the man for me, take him out of my life. But if he is, give him a passion to pursue me.” For the first time, Joshua was praying about a girl too…Kristen. After months of talking and three intentional dates, they officially began dating on July 20, 2025. Just a month later, Kristen left for a four-month mission trip to Indonesia. Despite the distance and time difference, their relationship deepened. Kristen would FaceTime Joshua before bed while he was on his lunch break. They had hard, honest conversations, ones many couples don’t reach until much later. They explored each other’s values and confirmed their shared pursuit of marriage. Kristen’s return from Indonesia was joyful. Their bond was stronger than ever. Over the following months, their love became increasingly centered in Christ. They began praying together every night, a rhythm that strengthened their spiritual lives and taught them to love selflessly. They studied the Bible together whenever they could, always putting God first. Conflicts didn’t push them apart, but they became opportunities to grow closer through communication and grace. Kristen and Joshua’s love is rooted in Christ. While their personalities and interests align beautifully, it’s their shared faith that anchors them. They’re choosing to love each other not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard. They’re choosing commitment. They’re choosing love. And most of all, they’re choosing Christ.