We first met at a young adults' lunch after church one Sunday in Los Angeles—surrounded by friends, food, and football (Melissa’s ideal). Neither of us had any idea that a simple afternoon would lead us here. At the time, it was just another Sunday. But looking back, it feels like the beginning of something meant to be. After several months of friendship, plenty of group hangouts, and one heroic moment where Sam fixed the broken headlight on Melissa’s car (chivalry is alive and well—in driveways), he finally asked her out. It wasn’t flashy, but it was genuine. That’s been the theme ever since. Within just a few dates, it became clear that despite growing up 4,500 miles apart—Melissa in a small town in Georgia, Sam on the beaches of Hawaii—we shared values, dreams, and a surprising number of similarities. Somehow, two very different journeys led us to cross paths in California, and from that point on, the direction felt clear. We are so excited (and thankful for those traveling) for you to join us in Melissa’s hometown in Georgia to celebrate the sweet beginning of our marriage.