Palmer: I remember walking through Wheaton, an unfamiliar town to a building I didn't recognize, filled with people I did not know. As I nervously walked, I repeated the same simple prayer over and over, “God can I make just one friend tonight”. I had always wanted to find a partner But after leaving my hometown for a new job. Finding a church to help me cultivate and support my relationship was all I could ask for. Just 1 friend. But God provided more than one; better yet, he provided the one I just didn't know yet. Lindsay: It was really being a part of this core community that led us to talk. Countless game nights, worship nights, and brunches at Café 14 with our friends gave us the space to strike up a conversation. I remember how easy it was to talk to him—and how much I enjoyed it. Palmer has a way of articulating his perspective with such clarity and intentionality that I found him intriguing. I think it was how quick he was with a comeback that made me realize how fast his mind works. It was clear to me that he had a deep passion for the Gospel and for building genuine connections. We quickly discovered that our interests spanned a wide range of topics—adventure novels, theology, films, ministry strategy, and more. All this time, we saw each other as friends. But it was only a matter of time…

Palmer: After three years of serving alongside Lindsay in young adults, I had developed a deep respect for her—but it wasn’t until 2023 that we began spending more time together. I remember feeling quietly happy when I learned that Lindsay was available, but I wasn’t sure what that meant or how to respond. In the fall of 2023, we had several social gatherings at my house, and at every single one, I ended up spending the entire evening talking with Lindsay. I wasn’t sure if this was just us being good friends, or if it was the start of something more. I tried to test the waters by asking Lindsay if she needed me to walk her to her car. She declined… four times. I took that as a sign she wasn’t interested—yet I still found myself thinking, “It’s going to be hard to stop the communication and friendship I have with Lindsay.” Then, in early January, we had a leadership meeting. After it ended, I found myself once again in a one-on-one conversation with her—but this time, something shifted. Mid-conversation, I realized I had stopped paying attention to what she was saying because I was distracted by how pretty she looked. After some minor panic and major prayer, I realized: I needed to ask her out. Lindsay: Palmer and I kept finding ourselves at the same events—a surprise birthday party his friends threw for him, Friendsgiving, Christmas gatherings… It was a full season, but I noticed I was looking forward to seeing him at each one. He later told me that something shifted for him that moment in the lobby. I had no idea he’d already made up his mind to ask me out. But from that point on, our interactions felt different. We lingered in conversations just a little longer, and we leaned in more when we wanted the other to know we were listening. Palmer offered to walk me to my car—four times. I said no each time, not because I wasn’t interested, but because I wanted to be sure I truly welcomed the attention. It was in the main lobby at Harvest Rolling Meadows, he took a moment to ask me out. I would be lying if I didn’t expect (or hope) that this was coming. So I said, “Yes.” We went to coffee at Viator - one of my favorite places! I think we managed to cover everything we hadn’t already learned about each other in one day. Our first date lasted six hours!

Palmer: I remember being so worried for our first date all I had planned was coffee because I wanted to give Lindsay an out if the date didn't go well. But then It went so well and it took so long. Zach, my roommate at the time, wondered where I was and why I wasn't home. Our Second date was fun too but our 3rd date in Evanston was when I really realized it was over for me. I remember walking through the park along the lake on that cold and icy February day Lindsay was talking about a movie or a book I can't remember which and it struck me. “You really like stories, Lindsay. Why is that?” She said, “Stories have a way of explaining things that are true in a way our hearts and minds can understand.” I could tell things were getting serious for me on that day. I tried testing the waters. We were both good communicators, but I don't have much experience with flirting so I started out safe “That sweater is nice. It brings out your eyes,” (subtle I know). Lindsay responded by pursing her lips looking at her shoes bashfully and responded, “We aren't very good at small talk”. Now, I know this was an attempt at banter, but at the time I thought this was a gentle rebuke to slow down. Thank God, I didn't waste the line about writing our story together. Lindsay: Looking back, Easter was when everything began to shift for me. Around that time, Palmer started opening up more—answering deep questions and sharing parts of his story that revealed a man who not only loved God, and a man who trusted Him enough to surrender everything. I saw someone whose faith had been tested, and who chose to persevere. And somewhere in the middle of those conversations, I realized—I really liked him. Each morning of Holy Week, I woke up with this giddy energy. I kept finding myself thinking about him. I remember telling myself, “I need to tell Palmer that I see how strong he is. How faithful.” His willingness to be vulnerable helped me see who he really was. And it challenged me—because I realized I struggle to open up in the same way. I needed him to ask questions, to help me find the words for what was going on in my heart. By Good Friday, I was beginning to fall. I remember walking into the dim light of the worship center and feeling the weight of a past season come rushing back. But Palmer was there. And suddenly, I felt safe. Just taking his hand made me feel stronger—he didn’t even know the impact he had at that moment. Worshiping beside him felt natural. His arm around me in that space didn’t make me uncomfortable—it felt right. He was sweet. He loved the Lord. He was special. And then came Easter Sunday. I wasn’t entirely prepared for the kiss on my forehead, but I didn’t want to pull away either. Because something in me had already started leaning in. And when he said, “I love you, Lindsay Olford,” I knew something had begun that I couldn’t ignore anymore.

Palmer: On April 19th I proposed. I was convinced Lindsay knew what was happening. The plan was simple. Go to coffee, then head to the Garfield Park Conservatory. Stephanie and our friends would be waiting there for us with the ring. Where i shared the following Lindsay, You are the most beautiful, kind, smart, and loving woman I have ever met. Tomorrow is Easter, the celebration of the new life we have in Jesus. How his death was was the payment for our sins but his resurrection was the proof of a promise fulfilled. I want to ask you if you would be willing to start a new life together with me and if you would like to live out his promise together for the rest of our lives. But before I do I have a few things I would like to say. In June of 2021, you and your sister hosted a game night in Wheaton for young adults. I remember being so nervous. I was so scared that I wouldn't be liked or well-received. I remember asking God for just one friend. Unbeknownst to me you were talking to Steph about that same time and she said “Lindsay we could meet our future husbands tonight!” We were good friends for 3 years. During that time I got to see your heart for the gospel, your love for the body of Christ, and God's Word. We celebrated each other’s gifts as we mutually chased after Jesus without realizing how close we were growing together. I think by the time I noticed you in Michigan City, I was already starting to fall. And after an amazing first date. And then a second. And a third. On that walk in Evanston, things became so real that I stopped feeling scared. Because I knew I found the woman my heart was made to love. The woman with a beautiful heart and mind with the most amazing blue eyes to match. The woman who seeks the gospel in every story and lives to see the Lord’s justice and the mercy of the gospel. The Woman who knows how to hold space for both God’s word and the prodigal souls seeking their father. The Woman who knows how to forgive. The woman who knows how to put the kingdom first. The Woman Who Loves Well. The Woman who above all others inspires me to look more like Christ. I remember on that cold day in Evanston I said, “I can tell you really like stories, Why?” And you said, “Stories have a way of explaining things that are true in a way that hearts and minds can understand.” I want nothing more than to show you the story of how Christ loved us. How he is faithful to His Church. And how He is a Good Father. For these reasons and so many more, I want to ask... Lindsay, of all the stories in the world, ours is my favorite. Will you write the rest of the story with me? Wherever it leads... however it ends... Lindsay, will you Marry me?