We’ve known each other for nearly five years now—and what a journey it’s been. Unconventional, surprising, and at times even awkward, our story is a clear testament to something far greater than coincidence. We truly believe this union was orchestrated by the hand of God. We met during one of the most isolated times in recent history—April 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic. Through a mutual friend, our paths crossed. At the time, I was living life on my own terms, while she was rooted firmly in the way of Christ. Our friendship sparked with intense theological debates—sometimes heated, always passionate. But through those discussions, I found something I didn’t expect: faith. Faith in Jesus Christ. Michael: It was on my 18th birthday that I knew—this girl, whom I hadn’t even met in person yet, was the one for me. She sent a simple birthday message filled with thanksgiving and encouragement, and I held on to every word. That message nestled itself in my heart. From that day forward, my heart was set on her. It was her kindness, her charity, and her fierce devotion to her faith that left me in awe. Annie: Our story began in such an odd and unexpected way. Though we were friends online for a while, finally meeting in person made things… awkward. Our conversations were short and hesitant. I think, deep down, it was because I knew he loved me—and at the time, I didn’t feel the same way. Michael was persistent. He asked me out more times than I can count. Every single time, I said no. Michael: Well, in her defense, she didn’t exactly say “no.” She’d tell me she was in a “season of singleness” (whatever that meant at the time). But that gave me hope. It encouraged me to wait, to trust the process, and to believe in what I knew deep down: that she was the one. My friends tried to convince me to move on—"There are other fish in the sea," they’d say. But I knew I wasn’t looking for fish. I was looking for her. Even when she couldn’t understand my devotion, God did. Annie: As time passed and I moved to college in South Carolina, our friendship hit a rough patch. I was entering a season of preparation, and within that season, something began to shift in me. I started to wonder—could I really be with Michael? After so many “maybe’s” and “not yets,” I found myself lying awake at night, wrestling with the question. I prayed. I sought counsel. I asked my mother, who—wise as she is—refused to decide for me. She reminded me that this was my journey, and only I could walk it. I asked mentors, leaders, and friends, and still found myself in turmoil. I gave it to God… and like the human I am, I wanted an answer right away. But it wasn’t until I fully surrendered—really surrendered—to the Lord’s will, that I found peace. When I stopped trying to control the outcome and simply trusted God, the answer became clear. I chose Michael. Since that moment, we’ve been inseparable. Michael & Annie: Our story hasn’t been easy, and it’s certainly not perfect. But it has been divine. Every turn, every delay, every tear and every triumph has been part of a story written by the King of the Universe Himself. Meeting each other was unexpected—yet breathtaking. Loving each other has required patience, perseverance, hope, and faith. And now, as we step into marriage, we thank the God who gives abundantly more than we could ever ask for or imagine. This is our story. And it’s only just beginning.