See you in Rosemary!

Our story began in February of 2024, when we both joined a 10 week course through our church focused on being bold in sharing our faith. In the first couple weeks we took note of one another, and seemed to always find ourselves in conversation after group. One week Sam mentioned wanting to play more intramural sports, so Mariah offered him a spot on their softball team. Before the season started, Sam asked Mariah out on a date, thinking he needed to beat the other guys on the team to it! We went to Barcocina for our first date, which was conveniently located right next to Sam's apartment in case the date turned sideways. Well quite the opposite happened, dinner lasted 3 hours and we decided to get ice cream after. On our second date Sam made it clear that he was dating for marriage, and Mariah felt the clarity in that moment reflected the Lord's love and kindness so clearly. It was Sam's intentional pursuit of her, sense of humor, humility, and personable nature that continued to draw Mariah towards him. For Sam, it was Mariah's infectious smile, confidence, curiosity, and love for others that drew him in. The past year of dating has been filled with growing in faith, spending time in community, getting to know each other's families, exploring Chicago, traveling, and becoming best friends along the way. We are eager to grow closer to Christ together as we enter into the covenant of marriage. As we prepare for the journey ahead, we reflect on what Timothy Keller wrote in his Book, the Meaning of Marriage: “The reason that marriage is so painful and yet wonderful is because it is a reflection of the gospel, which is painful and wonderful at once. The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope. This is the only kind of relationship that will really transform us.” Praise God! We are so excited to celebrate this next chapter with you all on February 14th! Thank you for shaping us into the people we are today, we wouldn't be here without you. All the Love, Sam and Mariah