June 2021 - Boy Meets Girl on "Coffee Meets Bagel" July 11, 2021 - First “date” is at a coffee shop (but neither of them drink coffee *gasp*) October 22, 2021 - Officially boyfriend girlfriend January 2022 - Elias asks Stephanie’s parent for their blessing to pursue engagement (spoiler: they say yes) July 24, 2022 - Elias officially pops the question after a few practice rounds and Stephanie says "Yes!" Navigating the online dating zoo was certainly a wild journey; we each have countless stories of less than ideal first dates. We somehow found each other and piqued each others interest. We texted back and forth for a few weeks until we finally scheduled a FaceTime date where we instantly hit it off. Our first few dates further solidified how there was a rare, genuine, growing connection on every level: spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally. Looking back, surely it was a pure orchestration of heaven and divine algorithms, as neither of us could have possibly imagined designing any portion of our journeys up until that point or what eventually brought us together for good. “I knew almost instantly that there was long term potential with Stephanie and I knew I wanted to marry her on one of our first hikes together, as we shared about our faith.” But what story is without its share of obstacles, trials, and opportunities for growth? The closer we became, the more self-protective defense mechanisms seemed to come between us. Our conflicts tested our resolve and courage to choose love in spite of our fears learned from past brokenness. As we learned to trust God for assurance, peace, and the faith to move into the good things He had in store for us, we discovered along the way great beauty, freedom, and healing in risking vulnerability and allowing ourselves to be fully known and fully loved. Our lowest valley moments have deepened our faith, taught us perseverance, unconditional love, and helped us truly appreciate the heights of joy in the mountaintop moments (James 1:2-4). Thanks be to God, professional / pastoral counseling, and great community! “I was so nervous before the engagement, that I decided to propose the night before what was officially planned, when it was just the two of us." It turned out to be a really sweet, intimate moment we were able to share without the pressure of being in public, so the emotions were unfiltered and authentic. “Sylvia was incredible in helping me plan, set up, and decorate for the day. The day before, we went to scope out the perfect proposal spot.” Elias took Stephanie to the botanical garden and led her towards the lake. “I went to take a knee and fell in seeming slow motion like one of those plastic toy soldiers. I had put my bulky iPhone Max in the side pocket of pants that already fit a little too tight. After laughing it off and gathering my composure, I pulled out the ring and told her how much she meant to me and how grateful I was that God had gotten us through so much and that there was no one else I’d rather be with - and I asked her to marry me.” Back at church, there was a surprise gathering planned with family and friends where we ate, had fellowship, and a time of prayer. Through every season of our relationship, we are learning to continue to cling to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who endured much for the joy that was set before him (Hebrews 12:2). As we have leaned into trusting God more, we have experienced His love, kindness, comfort, grace, restoration, and redemption in more profound ways than ever before. He helps us love as He first loved us, and He loves us so so perfectly. He is with us and for us, and forever will be. Thank you all for being with us and for us in our lifelong journey of learning to receive and reflect God’s love more and more each day.