we're getting married!

Our marriage is more than a celebration or a promise made for a day it is a covenant, rooted in God’s design for love. In Ephesians 5, marriage is described as a reflection of the greatest love story ever told: Christ’s love for the Church. It is a love marked by sacrifice, devotion, and faithfulness and that is the love we are choosing for one another. We believe marriage begins with both of us submitting first to God, choosing humility, grace, and unity as we walk hand in hand. From that foundation, our roles flow not from obligation, but from love. The husband commits to love as Christ loves selflessly, gently, and sacrificially to protect, to serve, and to cherish with his whole heart. This love is not about control, but about laying down his life daily so that his wife may flourish. The wife commits to love with respect, trust, and devotion, walking alongside her husband as an equal partner, offering encouragement, wisdom, and steadfast support just as the Church lovingly responds to Christ. Together, we become one not losing who we are, but choosing to grow as something new. Our marriage is meant to be a place of safety, laughter, forgiveness, and spiritual growth, where we help one another become more fully who God created us to be. This covenant is our “yes” to a lifelong journey through joy and hardship, seasons of abundance and seasons of faith always choosing love, always choosing each other, and always reflecting the grace we’ve been given. Above all, we pray that our marriage will be a living testimony of faithful love and a small reflection of Christ’s great love, written not just in words, but in the way we live every day. Please join us in praying for our marriage.

The gospel is the beautiful truth that Jesus came to redeem what was broken, restore what was lost, and bring us into a life filled with hope and purpose. Scripture tells us that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8, showing us a love that pursues, forgives, and transforms. Jesus’ resurrection gives us new life, not just one day in eternity, but here and now. He invites us into a relationship with Him where grace replaces guilt, peace replaces striving, and love becomes the way we live. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 As we begin our life together, we build our covenant on this truth: we are loved by God, strengthened by His Spirit, and called to reflect His love to one another. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Little did I know that what started as a swipe right on a dating app would end in marriage. But let me back up for a minute… as I was swiping on the app, I saw a profile that caught my attention. I noticed that Adam’s profile listed his simple pleasures, and one of them was hosting Bible study so of course, I had to swipe right. After texting back and forth for about a week, Adam set up a date. Since he was still a complete stranger at the time, I suggested we FaceTime to see if we had a connection. We ended up talking for two hours about our faith, church, dreams, and goals. Once the call ended, we texted to confirm the date and time of our first date. I suggested a restaurant in Cuyahoga Falls called Butcher and Sprout. I had never been so excited and at peace for a first date. Little did I know, that peace was just one of the ways God’s hand was already on our story. I met Adam at the restaurant and, as crazy as it might sound, I knew he was going to be my future husband. I knew he was different than anyone I have ever met. Seriously when you know, you know! After spending the evening having dinner, walking downtown, and getting ice cream, we sat by the river to talk some more. Most of our conversation centered around our faith. We aligned in so many ways, but I didn’t want to get ahead of myself. I felt led by the Holy Spirit to pray over our time together and to ask that our conversation would continue to point to God. Next thing I know, a couple approached us. The husband asked if this was our first date, then proceeded to ask Adam what his favorite thing about me was, and vice versa. We answered, and then the husband and wife began saying the exact same things I had just been talking and praying about. They told us they had prayed for us before approaching us and asked if they could pray for us again. Time and time again, I kept receiving confirmation that God’s hand was on this day. We took a moment to soak it all in, sitting in disbelief over what had just happened. I couldn’t believe it! From that day forward, we continued dating, and throughout our relationship, so many prayers were answered and confirmation from God that this was my husband. I met the most godly man, and my standards were far exceeded. Six months later, Adam asked if we could go on a hike to Blue Hen Falls. On November 8th, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Yes, of course! The easiest “yes” of my life! Here’s to forever with my best friend! Let God write your love story just as He wrote ours.