the teacher and the preacher

Although darling Laura and little David both attended SPU in 2010 - 2014, we didn't spend any real time together. Even after we met we stayed in our own circle of friends. However, it laid the foundation for the future. It wasn't until... 2018 in Seattle when David distracted Laura from her deep theological ponderings, world travels and social justice concerns by his striking good looks and carefree manner. David, in his accidentally flirtatious way, didn't know he had completely smitten Laura until 3 months later. Laura worked the social network to get the oblivious David to come to an intimate gathering in Seattle with both of Laura's now maids of honor. While putting on his shoes to leave it took a 5 minute linger at the door for him to say, "What was Laura doing? Why did she linger so long by the door?" How glad he is that Laura made it obvious. That week, David messaged Laura to meet and she gave up an open bar to go watch a sunset and drink Trader Joe's wine (her idea). And you might say the rest is history... but for those who haven't heard... Phone calls dissected by Laura with her friends. David, recognizing he couldn't wait to call her again. Summer soon approached. What a wonderful adventure this turned out to be. All night bike ride scavenger hunts, trips to the Oregon coast, backpacking in Mt. Rainier, sharing life stories, backpacking with Laura's parents. By the end, David knew this is someone he could spend his life with. There wasn't a single moment when Laura "knew", the love just slowly grew. Complicated by distance, and both purchasing homes in different states, when David chose to visit Laura in Ohio in August, they both realized this really could be it.** Notes: **David really loves Laura

David wanted It simple Laura knew it was coming, but was totally surprised He asked in Salem, three days before they flew to Hawaii with David’s family After joining Laura’s family for Christmas night, David and the Niles went snowshoeing on the 26th! (photos on the website) That night we had a formal dinner date planned. Since we had been dating long distance, somehow we had not yet had a dinner date out. (We really know how to do romance) Scallops and steak, special cocktails, we lived it up. Looking across the table, in typical Laura fashion, she asked, “do you think we’ll ever get tired of talking to each other?” David smiled inside, knowing that he was about to ask her if she would join him in finding out. David had a general idea of how he wanted to ask… go to the Christmas lights that were at Riverfront Park, and ask in front of the tree. Leaving the restaurant he said, “Before we head back to the house, let’s stop by riverfront park” “David, its freezing. I just want to go home, and my parents are waiting to play board games” “I just want to have a few moments by ourselves first.” David said, as he swung the car towards the park. Pulling up, David realized he may have made a mistake reading the city website. The park had no lights. And Laura was right, it was freezing cold. Quickly assessing the situation, David saw the Taco Bridge, and improvised, “Laura, I know its cold, but will you kiss me on the bridge before we go?” “You do know that was the only thing that would get me out there,” smiling at him On the Bridge, David asked, “do you think you’d want to go out to dinner together for the rest of our lives?” “Yes” After a kiss in the cold, Laura quickly turned to go back to the car. Snagging her hand as she pulled away, he pulled her back and she found him on one knee. Shocked, she smiled ear to ear, exclaiming “Oh my gosh! David!” We both smiled all the way back to where David’s and Laura’s parents waited to greet us and celebrate She said yes

We are starting our life together in the Gem City of Dayton, Ohio. Laura works as a pastor at Southminster Presbyterian Church and David is a science teacher at Stebbins High School. We've been spending a lot of time at home (thanks, COVID) which has meant lots of home improvement projects. We've tackled everything from the back deck to a total kitchen renovation. When we're not working on the house, we enjoy playing board games together and walking our new dog, Penny. We adopted her in October and are loving life as new dog owners.