Abby and Simon both moved to Wichita and joined Heartland Community Church separately, each getting involved in the young adult group (founded by groomsman John Ralston) through attending Bible studies and fun events together. Both immediately caught the other’s eye, but it took a while for a friendship to kindle. Which eventually happened through Abby‘s famous dinner parties, Simon‘s game nights and planning other social events together. But with each passing Bible study answer from Abby, Simon fell harder and harder and finally after about a year they went on their first date. Nerves were high, and many prayers were sent up for calm and peace, including one from Simon‘s friend over speakerphone while Abby got in the car. Simon was wooed immediately and promptly asked Abby to make things official – which she rejected, citing a need for more time. Fortunately, the perfect screening opportunity was coming up – a romantic Valentine’s Day date with her parents. Simon hit it off with Abby’s parents (perhaps even more than Simon and Abby) and a couple weeks later, shortly following a night of Wyoming two stepping, Simon and Abby were official. What followed were lots of joyful days of becoming great friends and falling into a sweet love. Many double dates with members of the greatest church. Getting lost in downtown Wichita. 180 shotgun talks from all of the men who have sworn to protect Abby. Getting lost at a great Plains nature Center. Illini basketball games. Getting lost at tallgrass Prairie. Isaac and Lauren‘s wedding. Getting lost on random roads in Kansas (we are bad with directions). All of these sweet moments led to a big day on Art Hill in St Louis, where, after an afternoon of reading through James together and praying for wisdom, overlooking our future city, we decided we wanted to marry each other. But the deed was not done yet. Simon still needed to propose officially. So he recruited the help of over 75 friends and family (many of you!) to write letters of encouragement and love to Abby. And Simon asked the most wonderful girl in the world to marry him, with dozens of people backing up that fact right next to him! God has shaped both us through the families who raised us and the dear friends that we’ve grown close to over the years - we are so blessed to know each and every one of you, and now it is time to celebrate and party it up!