Our story starts in college (2019-2020): Andrew was a goofy, music-major freshman who knew how to light up a room. Molly was a more soft-spoken, also music sophomore, and was happy to blend in with the crowd. We knew of each other, but it wasn't until December of that year that we connected. We became fast friends and enjoyed spending a good chunk of our free time with a group of mutual buddies. But mind you, our relationship was strictly platonic. "I will never date a music major," Molly always vowed. As time went by, and into the next year (2020-2021), we spent more and more time together: in class, jam sessions in the music building, coffee runs with friends. Pretty soon we were doing almost everything together. We were often teased and asked if we liked each other, to which we quickly confirmed, "No!" In the spring, we both participated in Bob Jones University's musical performance of that year, where Andrew had a main acting role. It didn't take long for Molly to be smitten by not only his talent, but also the new ways she was seeing his personality shine. Andrew too, began to see Molly as more than a friend, and we continued for the rest of the semester wondering if the feeling was mutual. By the last day, we had come to an understanding, and the oh-so-lovely stage of "talking" began. Over the summer, we talked often, and were able to see each other many times, whether for a friend's wedding or working a music camp. The summer ended with a trip out to Iowa for Molly to meet Andrew's family. It was during this trip that Andrew *officially* asked Molly to be his girlfriend: August 13th, 2021. Andrew's junior year and Molly's senior year (2021-2022) went quickly, and we enjoyed dating while at school where we could be together often. We quickly learned about the difficulties of being in a relationship, but more importantly discovered the blessings found in it. We had opportunities to serve together, becoming even more excited about life and the things that God might use us to accomplish together. Andrew began his senior year as Molly moved into her final semester of school (2022-2023), and marriage and the life ahead became more and more of a reality. We remained excited for God's plan for us. Thanksgiving break approached, and we prepared to part ways for the holiday. The plan: Andrew would stay at Molly's home the night before she took him to the airport to head home the next morning. But our pal, and Molly's best friend, Anne, was in town that same night, so we planned to have coffee with her before dinner with Molly's family. The two of us headed to downtown Greer, where Andrew parked in the lot of a local wedding venue. We got out, and Andrew wanted to peek into the venue, which was already a little odd. It was empty except for Christmas decorations, tables, and a wedding arbor. Clearly it was set up for a wedding. "Let's go in!", Andrew said. "What?!" Molly replied. He practically dragged her in, because she was sure this was trespassing. We finally got inside, and there was faint music playing. Andrew led a very hesitant Molly up to the wedding arbor, and took her hands. "So what do you think?" "It's nice... I like the arbor..!" "Think we should use this for our wedding?" "Maybe..." (she was still very confused) "Or... maybe we could just use it right now." And right there, he got down on his knee and held out a little black velvet box with a beautiful gold diamond ring inside. After recovering from the shock, teary-eyed Molly quickly clarified "Are we still getting coffee?" Andrew was confident he was marrying the right one. :) Of course, we love our story. Our relationship began as a risky, crazy, unexpected adventure, and we have seen it unfold into a beautiful story that only God could write. We are so thankful for His steadfast love and leading in our lives. We have never been more happy or joy-filled and we're so excited to start our life together. See you on July 22 :) Stayed tuned for chapter 2....