Here’s the thing: I was super into Linds long LONG before she was super into me, but we’re getting married now so it’s all okay. Here’s what happened: It’s sophomore year of college and I have a very large, big, wide, deep crush on Lindsey. So I decide, in a flurry of nervous, on-the-spot, courage to ask her out aaaaaaand she says no. I know, I know, we were all heartbroken at the news (as in me and my trusty college sidekick Ben Bucur) but I decided that no probably meant “oh my goodness yes absolutely very much so but in a years time!”. So, I waited a year and just spent so much time that I should have been studying trying to spend time with her - and she began to as well. We got bagels, and coffee, and “studied” in the library. And so, with a bit more confidence, I decided to ask her out again and this time she yea, she said no, it was a no. Cue heartbroken Santi once again. Now, now to Lindsey’s credit, she thought I was deeply handsome and cool and suave of course, but it just wasn’t the time for us to be together yet - and she had the wisdom and maturity to see that. Her love for me grew in a different way than mine, one nurtured in courage and patience and sincerity that really inspires me. But, to go back to the story, little old Santi didn’t know that yet, so we parted ways! I studied in Spain, she graduated and moved to Alaska, and all that held us together was a little email newsletter I made for my time abroad. We didn’t see each other for a year and a half and only texted a handful of times. And so, after all that, how did we actually start dating? Remember my trusty college sidekick Ben? This was his trustiest moment. He called me one day, laughing, and said “Santi, you’re not going to believe me, but I’m looking at Lindsey right now”. (keep in mind, she had already graduated, lived in another state, and was not at Liberty University anymore). I had no idea what to do with myself. I was feeling all the things. A few hours later, I saw her myself! Cue full scale internal freak out. But then, I asked her to coffee and we chatted for three hours! 2 months, a ridiculous wager, and a few phone calls later, I asked her out for the third time. And she said yes! We went on our first date that weekend. It’s been beautiful, good, and wonderful ever since. So you may ask, “Santi, why’d you stick around all those years?” Well, it’s quite simple. Lindsey is gently beautiful and kind. She is courageous in costly ways and the love for Jesus that she lives in is an offering of peace to any who comes near. She is grace and wonder and light. And while I didn’t know all of that then, I think something in me just knew that it was her. and it was. and it is. and it forever will be. Love you linds!