As I was finishing my Bachelor’s degree in Biology at ASU, I was more than ready for a break from long school days and endless tests. I had jumped straight into university just a month after graduating high school, and by then I knew I needed time to grow, work, and enjoy life outside the classroom. In the years between my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, I dated casually, spent a lot of time with friends, and did my fair share of socializing. I tried dating apps here and there, but nothing ever felt right or lasted very long. In November of 2023, I felt God calling me back to school to pursue my Master’s degree in Animal Science. That season of life brought new purpose, discipline, and a clearer vision for my future. I worked full time while going to school full time, trusting God to guide each step. I wasn’t searching desperately for love—but I was open to whatever He had planned. Then I matched with Natalie on Facebook Dating, and everything changed. From the moment I saw her profile, I could tell she was genuine, kind, and deeply rooted in who she was. I was honestly surprised we matched, considering she clearly put far more effort into her profile than I did. But once we started talking, it felt easy—like something God had been preparing long before we ever met. We laughed, talked endlessly, and quickly realized we could be completely ourselves with each other. Our first date came with a few nerves (especially on her end), but it didn’t take long for those to fade. The conversation flowed, the laughter came naturally, and somehow she agreed to a second date. From there, everything fell into place just as it was meant to. Natalie helped lead me back to walking closely with the Lord, and together we’ve grown stronger in faith, love, and purpose. Over the past year, we’ve built a beautiful life filled with friends, family, and countless moments we’ll always cherish. Natalie is my best friend, my greatest blessing, and the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known—inside and out. She truly is my better half. Asking her to marry me was the easiest decision I’ve ever made (especially since she gave me a how-to guide), and she even got to pick out the ring herself. I am endlessly grateful that she said yes. We are so thankful for our families and friends who have supported us, prayed for us, and walked alongside us every step of the way. We wouldn’t be here without them—or without God’s guidance and grace. We feel incredibly blessed to be building this life together, trusting Him as we step into this next chapter hand in hand.

Back in 2024, I was a single 30-year-old woman who had tried just about every dating app out there — Bumble, Hinge, Upward — doing my best to put myself out there in the ways I knew how. As a believer who was raised around strong, loving, God-fearing men, I had high standards for the kind of man I hoped to marry one day. There were many moments when I felt discouraged, wondering if God’s plan for my life included marriage at all. At times, I even joked that I might end up a lonely dog lady forever (and if you know me, you know that wouldn’t be the worst — I really do love dogs!). Still, even in the waiting, I tried to trust the Lord. I prayed, I surrendered my timeline, and I reminded myself that God’s plans are always better than our own — even when they don’t make sense in the moment. Then one day, a friend casually mentioned they were using Facebook Dating. I thought, Why not? It had been years since I’d touched that app, but I decided to give it one more shot. I refreshed my profile, set it to active, and within a few days I came across Garrett’s profile. There honestly wasn’t much on it to go off of, but something told me to take a chance — so I swiped right. And just like that, we matched. On October 3, 2024, we began messaging back and forth. After about a week of talking, we decided to FaceTime. What was meant to be a short call turned into hours of conversation, laughter, and easy connection. Just ten days after meeting online, Garrett asked me out on a REAL date. At the time, Garrett was living in San Angelo and I was in Abilene — and true to his character, he offered to drive to me. We met around 3:00 in the afternoon at Taphouse for what was supposed to be lunch…or maybe an early dinner. We practically had the place to ourselves, and the waitstaff seemed to know it was a first date. I could barely make eye contact because I was so nervous, but the conversation flowed effortlessly. We sat there for hours talking about life, faith, family, and everything in between — and it was clear God was already at work. We continued dating over the next few months, intentionally building a relationship rooted in friendship and faith. On December 22, 2024, we officially became boyfriend and girlfriend. Then in January 2025, Garrett accepted a job that brought him to Abilene — a move that felt like yet another reminder of God’s perfect timing. From that point on, life together became an adventure: dinner dates with friends, game nights, life groups, serving the community side by side, a mini trip to Waco, shopping trips (mostly my idea), time with family, and quiet nights in watching TV together. Through it all, we grew not only closer to each other, but closer to the Lord. A little over a year after we first matched, Garrett asked me to marry him — and without hesitation, I said YES. I am endlessly grateful that I didn’t give up during the waiting season. Garrett is my best friend, my favorite person, and a daily reminder of God’s faithfulness. The Lord truly works in mysterious ways — and sometimes, all it takes is trusting Him, the right timing… and one faithful right swipe. ✨💍