We met in the fall of 2021 when our paths crossed on a Christian dating app called Upward. Richie had been on the app for a few months, while I had just joined—with only one photo and a short sentence on my profile. Somehow, that was all it took. From our very first phone conversations, we felt an instant connection. Our first date was a picnic at the beautiful and scenic Grand View Drive in Peoria, Illinois—the day before Richie’s 23rd birthday. To celebrate early, I surprised him with a cookie cake from Trefzger’s Bakery. That day marked the beginning of something truly special. For the next year and a half, we dated long distance—nearly two hours apart—spending weekends commuting back and forth to see each other. While the distance wasn’t always easy, it strengthened our bond and made our time together even more meaningful. Eventually, we bought our first home in Wilmington, Illinois, and have been so blessed to continue growing together, building a life full of love, laughter, and shared dreams. We feel incredibly lucky to have found one another and truly believe God brought us together. When choosing a place to say “I do,” Southwest Michigan felt like the perfect choice. Richie spent countless childhood summers at his grandparents’ lake house there, and I made cherished memories attending camp nearby. It’s a place filled with love, joy, and peace—and now, it will hold the most special memory of all.