Adrian and Chase first met at Biola University in a place neither of them expected love to begin: their student teaching class. Adrian had already graduated and was finishing his credential and master’s program, while Chase was completing her degree and credential. Chase sat in front of Adrian, completely unaware that her frequent hair-flipping over his laptop was quietly becoming his first favorite distraction. Chase didn’t notice at all… not until much later, when Adrian finally explained the story to her parents after they had already been dating. What happened next depends slightly on who you ask, and that feels fitting. Adrian remembers Chase asking for his phone number after a celebration dinner for her graduating class, an event he was invited to as a guest. He recalls watching her speak that night, thinking how confidently she commanded the room, unaware that she was actually terrified on the inside. Chase remembers the night more collectively, everyone exchanging numbers, and somewhere in that moment, theirs were shared too. What mattered most was what came after. Their conversations quickly became something special. Chase remembers the texting as cute and intentional, thankful that Adrian could continue the conversation because, at times, she wasn’t sure how. Adrian fell in love getting to know Chase’s heart, her life in San Luis Obispo, her stories, and even her goat, Ariel. As the obvious flirting continued, it became clear there was something more. When Adrian heard that Chase could sing, he eagerly asked to hear her. Her response came from a nervous but courageous place, encouraged by friends: “You have to ask me on a date first.” Immediately after sending it, she threw her phone across the room. AND HE DID ASK. Their early dates included coffee (even though Adrian doesn’t like coffee), long walks in the park, and one unforgettable eight-hour beach date. That beach day stood out most to Chase, not because it was extravagant, but because it was intentional. They talked deeply, shared their testimonies, laughed, learned how to longboard, watched the sunset, and ended the night at Dairy Queen. Doing life together in those small moments meant everything. Long before anything was official, both Adrian and Chase already saw partnership in each other. Their involvement in their churches and serving together laid the foundation for their relationship. After long days and late nights working on VBS, Adrian asked Chase to be his girlfriend. Chase was excited to accept the invitation into life and ministry together. In truth, they had seen each other as marriage material much earlier, during a conversation at Chillin’, a local boba shop. Two years later, under the redwood trees at Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Adrian proposed. After spending intentional time together in a Bible devotion about marriage and love, he asked Chase to spend forever with him. The moment felt deeply personal to Chase, as Adrian had planned a day focused on being present, known, and together in a beautiful, private place. And just when Chase thought her heart couldn’t hold any more joy, Adrian surprised her with a celebration surrounded by family and loved ones, even managing to gather her family from four hours away under one roof. Now, Adrian and Chase look forward to a life built on faith, partnership, and gratitude, learning more about each other, sharpening one another, serving together, and striving to reflect the way Christ loves the Church… and, someday, raising cute little babies along the way.