It all began when a mutual friend, Barbara Monroe invited the bride to attend a SEC National Championship Game Party at the groom’s home on Monday, January 7, 2019. Stephanie reluctantly accepted her invitation because the event was on a “school night.” In addition, Stephanie wore her game day apparel without make- up because her only goal was to be the biggest “Alabama Roll Tide” fan at the party. While attending an awesome game party with a room full of Alabama fans, Stephanie felt right at home. Stephen provided outstanding hospitality to Stephanie even though she was the only unfamiliar face at the party. At the end of the night, Stephen talked with us, laughed with us, and helped us packed containers filled with his gourmet recipes. It was a wonderful night filled with good food, laughter, and great conversation even though the Alabama Crimson Tide team loss the game. At the end of the night, Stephanie felt overwhelmed with happiness based on her experience during the game. At that time, Stephanie did not know that her future husband would find her. ("He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord."~ Proverbs 18:22) Our mutual friend, Barbara Monroe contacted Stephanie a few days later to inquire about her dating status. Once Stephanie told her that she was single, Barbara asked would she be interested in officially meeting Stephen. All Stephanie could think of was how kind he was to her when they first met and how much she loved his personality throughout that night. Ms. Monroe gave the bride his number and she texted him with her contact information. Later that day, he called the bride, and they scheduled their first date.

On January 22, 2019, a gorgeous arrangement of flowers arrived at Stephanie’s office prior to their first date. They met at Olive Garden later that evening; where they talked for hours about their life, beliefs, etc. They had so many common interests and beliefs that it felt like they had known each other for a lifetime. A few weeks later, Stephen invited Stephanie to attend a play at The Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, Alabama. This date was even better than the first one. As they continued to talk on the phone and to go out on dates (movies, dinner, trips, etc.), they grew closer together. Their first Valentine’s Day and birthday celebrations were memorable and very special to them. In year 2, the pandemic changed the way they dated each other, but their love for each other remained the same. They went on virtual dates and had their first kiss with masks on.

On January 11, 2021, Stephen proposed to Stephanie. Stephen explained to Stephanie that he was only able to propose on a bended knee because Alabama won. Stephanie was thankful that their team won the game because the outlook of the game was a little rocky during the first few quarters. Since the proposal, they are building their first home together and they are planning an intimate wedding ceremony and reception.

I can remember asking God to bring a mate into my life who had a strong relationship with God and similar character traits of my father. Then, I wrote down the following characteristics of my ideal soul mate on a sheet of paper and posted it on my mirror: strong relationship with God, smart, handsome, great sense of humor, kind and faithful. (“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks find; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened”. ~ NIV-Matthew 7:7-8) To my surprise, I went to my future husband’s home on January 7, 2019 and the rest is history. Stephen continues to cover me through prayer, and he constantly shows me that he loves me like God loves the church. We believe that we are soul mates!

Who knew that Alabama football could be so life changing? God has unique ways of bringing things full circle to complete our lives. It is my earnest belief that when God created man, He took his rib and put it in woman (Genesis 2:21&22). As I was running the race of life, it was at a University of Alabama National Championship football game party that I found my rib, the love of my life, the one who completes me, for man is incomplete until he finds HIS own rib. At the Alabama game party, God brought me face to face with my rib, Stephanie A. Dalton. When I look at her, I see love, joy, peace, happiness and everything that fulfills my life. I know Stephanie is my rib because she has all of the “B” attributes. She is a BELIEVER, with BRAINS, BEAUTY, and BODY who BALANCES and BROADENS me. As we began to date and to share new life experiences, it was confirmed that God had allowed me to find a special someone to share forever my life’s journey. I remain prayerful that God will bless our union, and I look forward to cherishing this precious treasure and being Stephanie’s everlasting #1 fan. Roll Tide!