Similar to shoelaces criss-crossing and overlapping, woven around but not quite connecting, God had begun intertwining Rachel and Evan’s lives together long before they ever knew each other. As kids, their parents put them in the same VBS, where Rachel met and got to know Evan’s siblings, but not Evan. Years later, at 16 and 18, the two began volunteering at the same place; her in the kids music program, and him in tech. Because of this their interactions were limited, however this time something about Evan caught Rachel’s eye. The question was how to approach him? Enter the shoes. Evan decided to sell an old pair of Adidas sneakers, and Rachel, determined to get the cute tech guy’s number, made an offer and won the shoes (and her chance). Rachel was excited to say the least. They arranged to meet up for lunch and do the exchange. Rachel was so excited for their date like meeting only to be greeted by Evan aaaaand all his friends. Despite the unexpected turn, it was enough and before the two knew it they were talking, then texting, then taking rides in Evan’s super cool convertible. It didn’t take long before they were the best of friends. Fast forward a few years, on March 5th, 2022, they officially had their first date, and their friendship quickly grew into love. On December 2nd, 2024, Evan proposed on a mountain overlook in Williams, Arizona; one of Rachel’s favorite spots in the whole world, while on vacation for her birthday. And of course, Rachel said Yes! Rachel and Evan are looking forward to building an amazing life together as not only best friends, but husband and wife, with some pretty cool matching shoes.