Looking back on our story, I can’t help but praise the Lord for His goodness and weaving together all the details in His perfect timing. It’s hard to remember a time when Michael and I didn’t know each other. In middle and high school, we were in the same close group of friends that stuck together throughout college at Auburn. He was there for so many of my very favorite memories, and at the time, neither of us could have imagined what the Lord had in store for our future together. After graduating from Auburn, I moved back to Birmingham for grad school and Michael moved to Northern Virginia to start his job. For much of the next six years, we would see each other around holidays and when Michael came home to visit family, and it never felt like our friendship faded. Fast forward to October of 2024, Bailey, Tyler and I took a trip up to Virginia to visit Michael. We had the best time, and I vividly remember the moment that I first thought, “I wonder if Michael could ever be more than a friend?”. We were all sitting at a brewery in the Blue Ridge Mountains talking about life and what we wanted for the future, and I just couldn’t help but think that all the things that Michael wanted, I wanted too. I noticed that all the qualities I prayed for in a future spouse, my friend of 10+ years possessed. Not wanting to risk the friendship we had, I didn’t say anything at the time. When Michael came home a couple months later for Christmas, we went shooting at my parent’s house and played pickleball with my sister and brother-in-law (which he jokingly likes to claim was our first date). Throughout the spring, we would occasionally text back and forth, but nothing more happened. My prayer during this time was that if Michael and I were meant to be more than friends, that the Lord would give one of us the boldness to say something. In May, Bailey and I convinced the boys (Michael and Tyler) to take a trip to Zion National Park before Shep was born (using a very compelling PowerPoint, I might add…) as a last hoorah before they became parents. As expected, our trip was amazing and special and something I will never forget. I know now that at this point, not only had Michael also thought the about the possibility of something more for us, I later found out my sister had been texting Bailey throughout the trip to see if “sparks were flying.” A flight home from Utah, a few days, lots of prayer, and a bold text later (by yours truly), Michael invited me on a three-day first date in Virginia to spend the weekend together and go to a country concert. By the end of the weekend, we both knew that this was something special. I knew pretty quickly that we were going to eventually be here—that Michael Towery was going to be my husband. He is kind, intentional, and loves Jesus with his whole heart. He is proof that the Lord gives good gifts to His children, and that His plan is so much more beautiful than anything you can dream up on your own. The last year has been the best of our lives, and we are so excited to celebrate with our friends and family on October 2nd. Thank you to each of you for the way that you have supported and loved us, both individually and as a couple. We love you all!! -Molly