Not many people can say they ended up marrying their high school crush ... you know, that person you admired from afar but never had the courage to go after. However, this is exactly what happened for Olivia and Max. When they both attended Westminster Christian Academy, Max thought that she was a stylish, cute older girl who would never be interested in the goofy underclassman. On the flip side, Olivia was nervous to talk with him because they spent time in different circles: he was a jock and she was an artist. They didn’t talk to each other or interact, other than passing each other by in the halls. Years later, Max and Olivia reconnected when they were both living their young adult lives in St. Louis. Max was preparing for residency and Olivia was teaching art back at WCA. Max realized this was his chance to score the girl and asked her out on a date. They had a great conversation and connected instantly, but Olivia was not ready for a relationship at that time. It would take several months until Olivia admitted out loud that Max was one-of-a kind and that he was still on her mind. Their second “first date” was over tacos and margaritas at Mission Taco. In one sense, not much changed. They caught up on their recent adventures and laughed as though they had been friends for years. But in a different way, everything had changed. They were both ready for something more. And even though Max was preparing to move to New York in a few weeks, they dove in and began their relationship. From this time on, communication became the hallmark of their relationship. Although distance has separated them from the start, they always prioritized quality time and conversations together. Olivia and Max would say their foundation as a couple is built upon the goal of loving one another and loving the Lord well. We look forward to celebrating the lifelong commitment they are making to one another (and the fact that there is hope for the smitten teenager in us all).