Our story is a wonderful example of God's perfect timing. Although we have only been together a short time, the Lord has been preparing each of us to meet the other for many years. Throughout our 20s, He taught us patience, joy, and trust in Him first and foremost. There were many times spent in prayer where each of us felt ready to meet our partner, to which God would respond, “not yet.” Sometimes it felt like we would never find each other. But throughout this stage of our lives, we grew in the Lord; and when His timing was perfect, He brought us together. Although we are from different walks of life and we both had moments when we weren't sure about each other, it is now very apparent that the Lord orchestrated our coming together. We have found in each other companionship and love that could only come from a patient and loving Creator. We met in the summer of 2022, over a plate of Rocky’s hot Nashville chicken. Paul knew the fine southern cuisine was a surefire way to win Allie over. Over the course of the summer, we shared many special memories as we slowly got to know each other and a friendship bloomed. We quickly found that we enjoyed each other’s company and conversation felt easy. Fast forward to the fall of 2022, and our connection slowly began to feel more and more apparent. Paul first felt sure about Allie one night at a little pizza place in Hendersonville, when she asked him: “So what does your relationship with Jesus look like?” After that question, we shared one of the most beautiful conversations we could have had, sharing our testimonies and giving thanks to the Lord for how we came to be who we are today. As we were getting ready to leave, Paul could swear he could almost hear someone speaking to him saying: “Here she is, this is the one I have been making you wait for.” Paul fell head over heels in love with Allie that night, and resolved in his heart that he was going to spend the rest of his life with her. Allie fell in love with Paul for his generous and serving nature, his consistent support and encouragement for the people in his life, and for how easily he can make her laugh. Paul finally got the nerve up to kiss Allie shortly after that night, and we became official on a Christmas trip to Dollywood, on December 3rd, 2022. Throughout the time we were dating, we continued to share a lot of truly special moments. We got to know each other’s families, enjoyed many hikes together, traveled to the beach together, went kayaking together, went on vacation with Allie’s family, and so much more. All of these experiences helped us to learn more about each other, and it soon became apparent that we had found our future spouse. Our time together is always cherished and flies by! On October 28th 2023, after much shopping and clandestine assistance from our family and friends, Paul surprised Allie at Point Lookout Vineyard and asked her to marry him. (She said yes, by the way). Now we have the rest of our life together to look forward to. We praise God and fully give Him the credit for bringing us together. Words cannot express enough gratitude for the lessons He taught us both leading up to this beautiful union. And we look forward to what He has in store for us as we move into the next chapter of our lives.