We're Getting Married!

Sidney: I met Nathan through his sister Julie who was my college professor three years prior. Julie and I became very close friends, and I would often express to her my desires to find a godly man to share my life with. On April 9th, 2023, Julie invited me to her family’s Easter dinner, and there I met Nate for the first time. We met again a few months later in the summer and picked up right where we left off. He invited me to ride his electric bike and we had so much fun together! I was amazed by how passionate he was about the things that mattered to him, and his love for God. I later joined his church, and conversations after each service left me wanting to know more about him. Curious, I got his number from Julie and texted him saying, “Hi Nate, this is Sidney! I hope you don’t mind; I got your number from Julie. Do you wanna hangout sometime soon?” Our first hangout was at Biscotti’s on September 23, 2023 where we talked about our families, hobbies, passions, insecurities and Kendrick Lamar. We became fast friends. I knew he liked me, but I wasn’t so sure of my feelings for him at first; I knew he was someone I wanted to get to know better. Nathan pursued me earnestly, and we started officially dating in the fall of 2023. We experienced different struggles throughout our courtship and the Lord had to work on both of our hearts separately, and together. The Lord taught me how to build relational resilience, assume the best of Nate, seek to understand him, and be curious, not critical of him. These lessons changed the way I loved and learned Nathan. I fell in love with Nate slowly and steadily. He is my best friend, my prayer and singing partner. Nate is the kindest man I know. He loves and accepts me for me. He makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. He is my safe place. I believe that God hand-crafted Nathan for me and I consider it an honor to become Nate’s wife. Nathan: In the summer of 2022, I remember my older sister Julie mentioning this friend of hers that she thought I should ask out. But I wasn't quite ready for a relationship. However, I remember being surprised by a guest she brought with her to our Easter Sunday dinner. She was eloquent, and I still remember her compassionate smile and how well she talked with the kids. I decided then I wanted to know more about her. In August 2023, we met again at Julie and Stephen’s house. To put her at ease, I asked her if she wanted to see my new electric bike and she said, “Yes!” Those moments riding outside my sister's house together will probably stay with me forever. A few weeks later I got my very first text from her. The fact that she initiated contact was so attractive to me! A few months later, I drove to her apartment to ask her, in person, if she would go out with me... Best decision ever! In August 2024, hanging out in a friend's camper over the summer with a group of us, I remember how special it was just talking with Sidney as if it was our first time again. We talked about faith, love and family values, and I knew at that point that she was the one for me. We both wanted commitment and consistency from each other, in which we deserved. On January 11, 2025 at 2:10PM I PROPOSED to Sidney Merine to become Sidney Popp:) She said YES!!