It all began in 2014 while I was working at a local bank, where Ryan’s aunt and uncle, Wayne and Dalane, were my clients. Over time, as we built a relationship, they mentioned they had a nephew who would be perfect for me. At the time, I wasn’t quite ready for a relationship, so life continued on. Fast forward to the summer of 2023. Wayne, Dalane, and I had been attending City Church for some time when, one Sunday morning, Dalane walked up to me and said with a smile, “Remember Ryan? He’s coming next Sunday for Summer Playlist,” and then casually walked away. The following week, I was serving at the welcome desk, and she made sure to bring him over to receive his first-time gift. Soon, others caught on to the plan — including Pastor Candace, who made sure he came by again the next week for the same gift (just to be sure 😉). On Christmas Day 2023, after some strong encouragement from Dalane, Ryan finally messaged me. (Side note: Dalane also introduced Ryan’s parents, who have now been happily married for 41 years — clearly she has a gift!) Our first date was on February 11, 2024, after church at Scenic View Restaurant. Ryan chose it intentionally, knowing that if this worked out, he’d want a meaningful story and a special place to remember where it all began. Boy, was he right. For years, people at church had already assumed we were married, even referring to Ryan as “Mr. Chandler.” We truly believe we were meant to be. And then, in the most perfect full-circle moment, two years to the day after he first messaged me — on Christmas 2025 — Ryan asked me to marry him at the very same spot where we had our first date. God’s timing is so perfect, and we are endlessly grateful for the beautiful story He is writing for us. We can’t wait to see what the future holds, knowing that the best is yet to come❤️.