Matthew 19:6 !

The couple (single then) were competing in a Friday night bowling tournament. P had just taken 1st place and V 2nd. The prize money was under $100 but V wanted it all to herself. After taking the traditional winner pic, she approached him in a flirtatious attempt to retrieve all the winnings, hoping she would score more than just cash. Well, P boldly asked V on a date. He claims it was his first time asking a woman out on a date. It was her first time being properly asked out. With little hesitation and completely forgetting the cash, she said “Yes!” A word that the couple has chosen to say to one another often since then.

The day prior was successful. It involved running errands at Target (P’s fave) and eating at BJs Brewhouse (V’s fave). The next day was a relationship milestone. The day started with plans to meet up and workout together. Well, that’s at least what V thought. Around 1300, P comes over and asks her not to come downstairs until she is told. Of course V was curious as to what was going on however, she respected his request. P guided V downstairs and to her surprise the dining area was decorated. On the table lie a black box of roses spelling out “I ♥️ U”. On the box “Let’s make it official?” and the question “Will you be my girlfriend?” The area filled with balloons, the lights dimmed, feelings in the air. Near the box was an Elephant (V’s fave). Once again, saying “Yes!” This time keeping the box, flowers, and Ellie (the elephant).

It was the kind of evening where the sky looked like God was showing off. The golden sunset dipped low over the pond. There was a soft breeze. And just enough magic in the air to make one wonder if it was a core memory to be stored, another beautiful moment shared between the pair. As they walked, V noticed a sign that read “It all starts here.” Naturally, she paused, drawn in by it. She thought maybe it was a cute moment worth capturing. He thought, “she has to have noticed by now”. What V didn’t notice? The giant white heart made entirely of roses just ahead. The fluorescent sign hanging from the middle of that heart that read: “Will you marry me?” A breathtaking aisle of white rose petals, candles, and flowers lining the way. (In her defense, she was very focused on that sign from before.) While V was caught in the moment, P gently took my hand and led me toward the heart. Her heart was racing, slowly catching up to what was happening. P wasn’t nervous at all. (Yeah, yeah, yeah, V knew better.) Nevertheless, he was calm, collected, and full of intention. Still, with that smile she adores (so much, as it gets her every time) and his usual tranquil presence (which chemically calms her nervous system). P shared his heart with V, his love, and his admiration. He spoke of the journey they’ve taken together thus far and his hopes for their future. Then, right there in front of the lake, P dropped to one knee and asked for V’s hand in holy matrimony. And she said yes. Doing so with bliss, with demure, and (surprisingly) without crying! Even though everything in her wanted to cry, she did well. That sunset marked the beginning of a new chapter for the pair. A chapter filled with moments they will never forget. A chapter filled with faith, hope, and love all while holding the hand of the partner God assigned to them. Their next chapter truly all started there.