When people ask how we met, the answer depends on who you ask. Shane insists it started with a Facebook friend request, while Sandra is convinced it began on a dating app. Either way, God made sure our paths crossed exactly when they were supposed to. After talking online for a while, Shane asked Sandra out on December 5, 2025. Sandra suggested coffee, but Shane convinced her to agree to a “real date” at The Cheesecake Factory. During lunch, Shane was so quiet that Sandra assumed he didn’t like her at all. As it turned out, he was just shy. After lunch, Shane asked if she wanted to walk around Las Olas Boulevard. What was supposed to be a short walk turned into hours of conversation. They met around 1 PM and talked until nearly 7 that evening. Somewhere between the laughter, stories, and long conversations, something special began. Two days later, they went out again, and by the third date, Shane shared that he was dating with intention toward marriage. As two devoted Christians who both desired marriage, family, and a Christ-centered life, they quickly realized they shared the same hopes for the future. Not long after, Shane confidently told Sandra, “I’m going to marry you someday.” Sandra thought he sounded a little crazy at the time — but Shane simply smiled and said, “Just watch.” Sandra had already experienced the joy of being a foster parent and was in the process of becoming recertified to foster again. Early on, she shared her dream of becoming a parent, building a loving home, and having a family centered in faith. Much to her surprise, Shane shared that same desire wholeheartedly. While he already has two wonderful adult children, he was also excited about the possibility of adoption and building a new chapter of family life together. Not long after, Shane met with Sandra’s pastor to share his intentions and make it clear he was serious about pursuing her honorably. Although everyone agreed things were moving quickly, it was obvious from the beginning that their relationship was built on sincerity, faith, and purpose. A few months later, Shane planned a beautiful proposal picnic at a quiet park. Sandra, who is not exactly outdoorsy, had no idea what was happening. The day was already emotional as she honored the birthday of a foster child who had deeply impacted her life. In the middle of that tender moment, Shane got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Of course, she said yes. After getting engaged, they returned to Sandra’s pastor to ask if he would marry them and guide them through premarital counseling. Since then, they have been intentionally preparing for marriage through prayer, counseling, faith, and strengthening their communication and foundation as a couple. As they began planning their future together, life unexpectedly brought a difficult season when Shane became seriously ill and doctors discovered a tumor. Suddenly, wedding plans became hospital visits, prayers, uncertainty, and long days waiting for answers. But through every difficult moment, God showed up faithfully. What could have shaken their relationship only strengthened it. They learned how to show up for one another in deeper ways, trust God together, and hold tightly to hope even in uncertainty. Today, they are grateful to move forward into this next chapter with stronger faith, deeper love, and excitement for the future ahead. Their greatest dream is to build a loving home, grow their family through adoption, and continue building a life centered on faith, love, and purpose together. As they begin combining two households — along with all the furniture, décor, and little things collected over the years — they already feel blessed with more than enough. Instead of traditional wedding gifts, they are choosing to focus on building their future adoption fund and preparing for the family they hope and pray to welcome.