Please join us for the celebration of marriage between Jonathan Luke Beukelman and Cecily Suzann Watterson

It began with a simple question right outside of Olson Hall. A question about getting dinner sometime in the next week. Cecily answered with a giggle "let me check my schedule." After a solid 3 business days, she texted me "Wednesday night will work." Then, I asked around and secured a reservation at the best date spot close to Upland: Pizza at Bad Dads. When Wednesday came around, I went to pick her up. She stepped out of the east entrance of Olson Hall just as her entire wing returned from an event, all of them watching to make sure I opened the car door like a true gentleman. Dinner went great! We talked a lot about family from what I remember. We were at the restaurant for 3 hours, then on the way back, Cecily asked me if I could keep driving - the best part of the night. I drove to Marion's Walmart and back to round out the 5 hours of continuous conversation. A second date was on the books!

After several more dates, a stint of silent treatment, asking her dad for permission, and lots of finals studying, it was the night before Silent Night: December 6, 2023. Christmas season was in full swing on Taylor's campus when I woke up that day. I had to do a few things before asking her that night: I went to Gas City Petals to pick up flowers for the BIG ASK. I coordinated stealing her esteemed Disney Cars pillow with the help of her roommate. And I planned the spot for the ask - the mural next to Chappy's in Gas City. Then, it was a waiting game. I had the yips for the whole day and was so nervous I couldn't focus. I remember being excited but praying I wouldn't mess up. I picked Cecily up from her Anatomy and Physiology studying in the library and drove her to Gas City to see the Christmas lights before I ended at the mural. I asked her to get out of the car, and I grabbed the flowers from the back seat. When Cecily came around to the front of the car she got a big grin on her face, and I asked her to be my girlfriend. She said yes! Then, I pulled out her Cars pillow and threw it at her. I think she almost broke up with me after that haha. It has been a little inside joke ever since.

- Pickleball - South Africa - Double Dates - Marathon Training - Early morning workouts - Presidential Fellows Program - Spending time with each other's families - Cecily dropping Luke off at the wrong airport terminal - Card games and board games (especially Ticket to Ride) - Traveling around for Taylor University - Luke getting fired from Pool School - Hiking - 2 14ers in Colorado - Country Concerts - Making cookies - Coffee Dates - Ice Cream - Skiing

In July 2025, I began to recognize that my heart didn’t feel fully present in the relationship. Looking back, I now understand that I was experiencing what I’ve come to call the “pre-engagement yips.” I felt a significant amount of pressure—internally and from the world around me—to take the next step, and it left me overwhelmed. Because of that, I ended the relationship over the phone later that month. From that point forward, both of us entered an important season of personal growth. We had to relearn that our identity was not found in one another, but in Christ alone, and to release the expectations we had built about our future. Even so, I found it difficult to let go. During the time we were apart, everything in my life seemed to point me back to her. My family even made lighthearted predictions about when we would get back together. My brother, Graham, ended up being right with his “under three months” guess. When we returned to campus, I asked if we could try again. Staying true to her thoughtful nature, she took a couple of days to consider it, and then graciously said yes. Coming back together wasn’t simple. Navigating each other’s emotions and rebuilding understanding required intentional effort. But looking back now, I can see how that season prepared us for the commitment of marriage.

This next stage is filled with unknown opportunities and adventures, but we are excited to see how God writes our story and allows us to further his kingdom.