We're getting married!

"The story of how we met has a few layers. The first time I actually saw Madison was at a bible study. I wouldn’t even say we really met at that point. I was sitting there with a stack of bibles next to me when she walked up. She went to grab one and in my usual charming way I told her she couldn’t have one. And without missing a beat she replied “too bad,” and took one and walked away. It would be a few months before we would have a real interaction. After being so close at bible studies and retreats, our first interaction came when I was transferred to the Poughkeepsie Bed Bath and Beyond. I was walking around the store getting to know the place and the people and saw her. I thought to myself “that girl looks very familiar”. I waited until she was free and we started talking. We learned how close we had been that whole time and a friendship began to start. Little did I know more than that would start to develop. Fast forward a few months and I gathered up the courage to ask her out. After a romantic night of talking out in the rain after a church service I knew I had to take my shot and ask this girl out. That next Friday after bible study I walked her to her car. While we were out there making small talk I took the leap and asked her out on a date. Without hesitation, I had barely finished my question, she said 'Yes!' "

Just a few layers? "I had just joined a new church and was meeting tons of new friends when I met Lucas. One day during the summer we met, I realized that my heart was finally ready to pursue a new relationship. But my next thought was one full of worry and in a moment of insecurity I asked God, 'what are we going to do? If he’s not at church, then it's not like a man who loves You deeply is just going to show up at work.' I can just imagine God laughing and answering me with, “why not both?” Because two weeks later, Lucas was transferred to the Poughkeepsie Bed Bath & Beyond and we recognized each other immediately from church. As it turns out, we'd been spending Friday nights together at bible study, had a few friends in common, but had never officially met. I took that as the clearest sign that God was directing me towards this man, but if we’re being honest with each other, I resisted at first. When I met Lucas, my perception of him was nothing like how he actually is. To me, he seemed so serious, almost formal, and he was so quiet. Anyone who knows Lucas must be laughing at that description because that’s so wrong! But I trusted God and decided to get to know Lucas better at work and at church with our friends. I quickly realized how silly I was! He’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a person and more, and we fit together as if we were made to. Let me tell you, it was so hard not to just ask him out, but I knew he'd want to be the one to do it, so when he finally did ask I'm not sure I even let him finish before I said, 'Yes!' "

August 9th 2020. "This is where forever begins. It was a trip to Saugerties, New York that is the setting for this story. We decided to have a nice weekend getaway and I would take this opportunity to make the biggest and best decision of my life. The plan was simple, go have a nice meal and find a beautiful view to pop the question. I smuggled the ring in a secret compartment within my suitcase so she would have no idea. With the plan made all that was left was to execute it flawlessly. We made plans to go to Diamond Mills Hotel for a lovely brunch after church. I called ahead to get some help from the staff to make it perfect. After brunch we wanted to view the beautiful waterfall that runs behind the hotel. Under the guise of taking pictures for us the hostess lead us down a secret path behind the building to a private deck that oversaw the waterfall. Madison thought we were taking photos, but I secretly asked her to take a video. At that moment I got down on one knee and asked the love of my life to spend the rest of our time here on Earth as a family. Forever and Always."

We're so excited to start our life together! Thank you for helping us celebrate!