Jared's Perspective: It all started before the foundation of the world…lol jk but not really. I had just come back from a trip to India in July of 2022 and was at my old church on a Wednesday night to report back what we had seen and heard. After we were done, my Missions and College pastor’s wife asked me if I was down for a blind date with someone. I said sure but was still a bit curious. Despite my light research, I had no idea. I went in to Edge Alley on July 24th of 2022 after church not knowing who I was supposed to meet which made the hostess give me a confused face, but a woman called out to have me sit with her and I met Lauren Elizabeth Vernon. We started talking about a variety of topics ranging from missions to church health to what superpower we would have and why. I really enjoyed hearing her thoughts about about out mutual interests and was greatly encouraged by her wisdom and holy affections. 2 hours later, Edge Alley told us that they were closing so we moved to Memphis Chess Club where we talked for 4 more hours. And the rest is history. Lauren's Perspective: I was working at Coffee Central with Mikayla King one morning when she excitedly told me she knew of someone I should meet. “Do you want to meet on a blind date or be introduced?” she asked. I opted for the blind date. She withheld easily identifying details about this mystery man, but told me that he loved Jesus a whole lot, had a heart for ministry, loved South Asia, and was really intentional. He was in South Asia at the time and I was super curious! With a couple more details that she gave me, I managed to figure out that it was this guy, Jared Ufferman. Still, I was so nervous to meet him! The day of our date finally arrived. We grabbed lunch at Edge Alley & chatted until they closed. And then hopped on over to a nearby coffee shop and talked there for 4 more hours! I remember being struck by a few notable things about Jared. When Jared speaks, Scripture flows from his mouth, interwoven with his thoughts with ease. It was evident that Jared really, truly loves the Lord & His Church. He was kind, gentle, sincere, and funny. I walked away from that first, 7 hour date thinking, “This guy has a heart of gold.” I was hooked. As we left that night, he asked me on a second date and the rest is history!

Jared's Perspective: We had been talking about marriage about 3 months after we officially starting dating in early August. I had made the plans for an engagement on May 26th of 2023 about a month in advance and told her that I was planning a hang out that night at my parents’ house so she would be somewhat prepared for socializing yet still keep her in the dark. She is unfortunately much too smart for that so she figured it out not soon after we made the plans to hang out in Olive Branch park at our bench looking over the lake before the party instead of helping prepare the house. The day comes and I hadn’t really thought through how I was going to ask her the question. I had my hand in my pocket to conceal the obvious ring box, thinking I was very sly. We head to the park only to find out that our park bench was already in use. After I internally scream in alarm, we wander around the busy park for a private park bench to no avail. Lauren mentions a park bench out by the pavilion in the park so we head down the trail and sit for a second. I still hadn’t figured out a good way to bring up the question so we ended up chatting until it was time to go. As we got up to leave, I asked her to wait one second, got on my knee, and proposed. Thankfully, she said yes :D Lauren's Perspective: I had accidentally figured out when Jared was going to propose, but didn’t know how or what that would look like. The day arrived of our “cookout” and he asked to go to the park where we became official before heading to his parents’ house. We get there and our spot was taken by a group grilling out. He asked if we wanted to visit the wooded trail we like to walk and sit on the benches there. When we arrive, the person just up ahead of us sat there and then a whole family came! I could tell he was nervous and a bit flustered by the spots being taken, so I mentioned maybe going down the bike trail to an area with more tables. We went, sat, and chatted there for a bit. I noticed him nervously checking his pocket on occasion. Our park time came and passed. As we got up to return to the car, he quickly said, “Wait! I have a question to ask you!” I turned around and there he was on one knee. “Will you marry me?” he asked. This was the best “yes” I’ve ever been able to give. From there we went to his parents’ house where he, our families and friends had put together the sweetest engagement party! It was such an overwhelmingly joyful night. I cannot wait to be his wife!