Our story is a testament to God’s perfect plan and timing. We’ve learned to trust His plan even when we thought we wanted something different. In high school, Jacob was a standout student and athlete. His hard work in the classroom earned him the title of Salutatorian. He also loved sports, especially baseball, and dreamed of playing in college while studying engineering. Unfortunately, COVID cut his senior baseball season short, limiting his college offers. He decided to stay closer to home and was set on A&M until his football coach introduced him to UMHB. After a visit and an offer to play for the CRU, Jacob committed to both football and mechanical engineering for Fall 2021. Lyndsey was equally driven in high school, aiming to become a doctor due to her love for science. She also earned the title of Salutatorian. She was a cheerleader and golfer, and initially planned to attend ACU. When her study abroad trip with ACU got canceled due to COVID, she received an application from UMHB. After touring the campus, and hearing about their successful football team, she decided to enroll as a pre med major for Fall 2022. She also tried out for and joined the CRU cheer team! At UMHB, with its small campus, it was only a matter of time before we met. Surprisingly, we went an entire year without knowing each other. Despite our paths not crossing, the CRU football team had an amazing season, resulting in a national championship win that both of us were able to participate in. As Jacob entered his junior year and Lyndsey her sophomore year, we were both single and open to new relationships. After a game, Lyndsey's sister, Blakley, nudged her to go celebrate with the football team. That’s where Blakley, accidentally, introduced us. When we started talking, Jacob felt an instant connection. Later that night, Lyndsey noticed Jacob added her on Snapchat, and they began messaging every day. Over the next few weeks, we discovered we lived in the same apartment complex, making hangouts easy. Jacob’s intentions became clear; he wanted more than friendship. Lyndsey then had to decide—she had always thought she didn’t want a serious relationship, but Jacob checked all her boxes. After talking with her family and seeing how excited she was about a potential future with Jacob, she realized her fears about commitment didn’t outweigh her feelings for him. When Jacob left for an away playoff game, Lyndsey missed him more than she expected. After a long phone conversation, she was ready to date him, but Jacob still had to ask her properly. Despite losing the game, they were both excited about what lay ahead. On December 11, Jacob came over with a note leading her to look up at him as he asked her to be his girlfriend. He also gave her a Christmas ornament, beginning a yearly tradition. In the year and a half that followed, we made countless memories—adopting a cat together, getting to know each other’s families, traveling to New York, and finding a church home. We celebrated each other’s successes and grew together in faith and love. Then, on August 17, 2023, Jacob proposed, and Lyndsey happily said yes! We’re confident that God has been at the center of our relationship. With Him guiding us, we’re ready to face any challenges together. We can’t wait for our future—let’s get married!

After Jacob graduated, he was ready to take the next step—it was time to propose! He wanted it to be perfect and a total surprise for Lyndsey. First was the ring. He got some hints from her but chose the specific ring himself. After buying the ring in May, he had it shipped to his mom’s house. During a visit to East Texas, he snuck into his brother Gavin's room to grab it while Lyndsey was distracted, then secretly brought it back to Belton. Next, Jacob wanted to ask Lyndsey’s dad for his blessing. He planned a dinner with Carl while Lyndsey was at cheer camp in July, but the secret slipped during a phone call between Lyndsey and her dad. Still, the dinner went well, and Carl approved and welcomed Jacob into the family. Now came the tricky part—Lyndsey was great at figuring things out, and Jacob wasn’t the best at hiding surprises. He planned to propose in July, but with a busy month, he decided on August. While on a solo trip to East Texas for a dentist appointment, he decided to plan a surprise date for exactly two weeks later. To keep the secret, he told just a few close friends. While Lyndsey was shopping with her mom and roommate, Grace, Jacob went “fishing” with his roommate, Jesse, to check out the proposal spot at Lake Belton. They found the picture perfect location. As the date approached, Lyndsey had her suspicions but wasn’t sure. Grace encouraged her to dress for a potential proposal without getting her hopes too high. Meanwhile, Jacob was feeling the pressure to make everything just right. On August 17, they spent the day together. Jacob surprised Lyndsey with a picnic and a new picnic basket and blanket. As they drove to the lake, Jacob successfully hid his nerves. When they reached the spot and set up the picnic blanket, a boat blared music right when he planned to propose! Quick on his feet, Jacob asked Lyndsey to turn around for a photo while he stalled until the boat passed. When she turned back, he was on one knee! The moment was magical, and Lyndsey said yes! Jesse had been hiding in the bushes to capture it all. After a few celebratory photos, they sat on the blanket, watching the sunset and enjoying their snacks, thrilled to share their exciting news with everyone!