Franklin had just moved to Seattle from Tennessee to work at a college ministry called The INN—a place where Nishadi had spent most of her college years and was now on staff too. Within just a few days of meeting, their boss gathered the team and shared one important rule: no dating within the team. The goal was to keep the focus on the students and the work… so if anyone wanted to date, they’d have to wait until spring. So, naturally… that kind of set the tone for us. As we spent more time together, it didn’t take long to realize there might be something more than just friendship. But we also knew this season was meant to be one of patience—leaning into our faith and the community around us (which we’re still so thankful for!). And the second that “no dating” window was over, Franklin didn’t waste any time—he asked Nishadi out on their very first date. Which just so happened to be April Fools’ Day… because of course it was. God really does have such a great sense of humor.

Nishadi got in the car in her stained sweatpants, oversized hoodie, and old Uggs to drive out to the beach with Franklin for the day. Little did she know… she was going to get engaged later that afternoon. One of our favorite spots in Washington is Twin Beach—where we’ve camped, surfed, cooked out, and explored. We’ve made so many memories there with family and friends, so it felt like the perfect place for such a big moment! Nishadi had been very patient waiting for this day… but patience didn’t stop her from frequently asking Franklin “so… when are we getting married?”—even just minutes before he finally asked the question she’d been waiting for. Franklin had the ring in his pocket the entire day. As we were walking along the beach—with no one else around—he stopped, read a tearful letter, and then got down on one knee. I (Nishadi) was a complete mess—in the best way—and couldn’t hold back any of my emotions… but honestly, that’s exactly how I wanted it to be. And as if the day wasn’t already perfect, God blessed us with a rainbow—such a sweet reminder of His promise to provide for us and walk with us into this new season.