We are getting married!

On May 28, 2023, Josh and Mikayla met for the very first time. Although they had both attended the same church for a few years, their paths had never crossed—until that night. Mikayla had been regularly attending the church’s young adult group, but this was Josh’s first time attending. He introduced himself and asked Mikayla the usual “get to know you” questions. What started as small talk quickly turned into something more. After the group ended, they found themselves talking to each other to get to know each other just a little bit more. Their connection felt natural—like two people who had known each other for years, not just minutes. That unexpected moment became the beginning of something special. Now, that first conversation has led them here—preparing to say “I do” in front of the people who mean the most to them.

It all began at our Young Adults group with our church. (The same church we both had been going to for years and yet never once ran into each other somehow). It was my first time there and I was simply trying to make friends. I saw Mikayla and we started talking and we mentioned that we both went to the 9 o’clock service and thought we had recognized each other. We had a fun night full of games and community. Near the end of the night we had slowed down and were talking when I came to the realization that Mikayla might not be single. With that thought in mind it came as a surprise to me to get a text from her asking to go the lake with her friends for a photoshoot. I thought long and hard about it seeing that it would be way outside my comfort zone. I ended up saying yes and going with them. It ended up being a great photoshoot that included a long time out on the lake talking with Mikayla. We left the lake and went to her house for dinner. I was the last one to leave and saw my opportunity and went for it. She came in for a hug like she did with all her friends that night and as we pulled away I asked “So when are we going out?” I had to clarify and say “like on a date…” She paused and said a response I was not ready for. She said, “Well whenever you ask me.” All I could do in the moment was laugh and feel confused cause I had just asked her. Luckily, it ended up being an actual yes. From there we had an amazing first date with many more firsts to follow. I can’t wait to keep creating firsts together!

After meeting at the young adults group, I left that night knowing that Josh and I could be friends. I was getting ready for a fun photoshoot with some of my friends and I was short one guy. After some thought and discussions with friends, I got his phone number and decided to text him and invite him along to the photoshoot. It took him THREE days to respond, but he ended up saying yes. After some photos at the lake, we decided to paddle board and swim. While everyone else was doing their thing, Josh and I decided to talk, just the two of us, and get to know each other more. Eventually, we all headed out and went back to my parents' house to have dinner before everyone left. We spent a few hours with everyone, eating and talking. Once it got to be about 10:30pm, everyone started leaving. However, Josh and I found ourselves lost in conversation and he was the last to leave. As he was leaving, I was contemplating if I should give him a hug or not, as I hug all my friends before they leave. I noticed that he opened his arms for a hug and my mind was made up. As he went in for a hug, he asked me when we would hang out again. I wasn't sure what he really meant and decided to ask, before giving him a time. He clarified that he was meaning on a date. I ended up saying yes and we went out on our first date that following Wednesday. The rest is history and we cannot wait to see what God has in store for us as we continue onto this next chapter in our lives.