We met in the fall of 2019, when we both auditioned for the same ensemble at Liberty University’s School of Music. We became team members, and eventually even friends, but neither of us had any romantic interest yet. In late February, we began spending lots of time together at a mutual friend’s house, where we played card games and watched movies together. After a few late night Waffle House dates, we were both having speculative thoughts, but we kept it all close to the vest. Alysa had plans to spend her spring break on mission in West Palm Beach, Florida, so Malachi offered to drop her off on his way home. We spent the first weekend on vacation with Alysa’s family in Virginia, where (with some gentle coaxing) Malachi finally admitted his feelings for Alysa. That long drive to Florida was made a bit sweeter by newfound affections. Unfortunately, there were other things happening in March of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic turned Alysa’s mission trip into a day trip at a church in West Palm, and instead of driving right back to Virginia, she decided to spend the rest of the week with Malachi’s family in Lake Placid. After a week of conversations, and since we had already met each other’s families, we decided to return to Lynchburg as a couple.

The pandemic made the next several months difficult for everyone, and beginning a relationship during the first quarantine season made time move both faster and slower. We had a few months together, and then a long-distance summer as Malachi did his internship in Tennessee. Our time dating was very special; we got to grow together and get to know each other’s families. We graduated together in the spring of 2021, but Alysa still needed to complete a summer internship. She ended up at the same church we had both visited over a year ago: Family Church in West Palm Beach. Malachi began serving at First Baptist South Oak in Lake Placid, only 90 minutes away. After the summer, Alysa was offered a job at Family Church, and moved to West Palm. Tired of the medium-distance relationship, Malachi applied for a worship position at Family Church as well.

On a rainy afternoon in November, Malachi proposed to Alysa in the Society of the Four Arts Garden in Palm Beach. Somehow he managed to surprise her, thanks to the help of many co-conspirators. We had an intimate moment, with many tears and only a couple stealthy friends to take pictures. Afterwards we were able to celebrate with our friends and families, and we cheered the beginning of our new life together in West Palm. Malachi began working at Family Church in December, and we started wedding planning in earnest. We are so happy to have found fulfilling community here in West Palm Beach, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for us here. To all of our other family and friends, from Lynchburg to Lake Placid, we can’t wait to reflect on the good times and party with you at the wedding! Thank you, everyone, for all the support and prayers that you’ve given us. We literally couldn’t have done it without you. See you April 29th! With love, Alysa and Malachi