Due to COVID-19, we are restricting the number of in-person attendees, but we invite you to celebrate with us via live streaming. The ceremony will begin at 4:00pm EST. To access the live stream video use the link below: https://livestream.com/accounts/27645512/events/9339527

Please click the following link to read and see the video of the proposal. The Proposal https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cTYAD-AnKVVjrrp6X50MmeYbQJ5kY-4jXF4eb4je_8w/edit?usp=sharing

I was at a place in my life where I was more focused on my career. Also when it came time to look for a significant other, I was more into the sarcastically toned type with a bit of humorously dark perspectives or in other words, a fun person I could relate to. Throughout my three years of interacting with Jenni, she and I never clicked. So much so, that we were acquaintances rather than friends. That would all change in year four. As time went on, I notice that many of the brothers in our church, leading small groups within our ministry, were transitioning into marriage and/or moving to other cities, leaving many shoes to be filled. Being reminded of my first and foremost commitment to God and his church, I decided to step up and lead one of the small groups as I did back in college. Doing so, I would end up replacing a brother that lead together with Jenni. Thus our love story began. Her kindness and patience towards me as we were serving our family group stood out to me. But more importantly, her ability to look past my over goofiness and other off-putting qualities to not only understand who I really am but who I desired to be as a man and servant of God, made her appealing to me in a way that was different than any woman I’ve ever considered. God has blessed my pursuit from the moment I liked her to the moment I confessed my feelings to her, to the moment I asked her to be my girlfriend, to the moment I uttered "I love you", to the moments where that love was tested, to the moments we persevered, and now the moment where we soon anticipate our marriage. When I look back, I can easily say that Jenni is not the person I wanted but is the person I need both now and forevermore. Marrying her is a privilege that I do not feel worthy of. However, just like Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, I will cherish this gift through my obedience to what is true and righteous especially as a future spouse. Thank you for reading and we hope you can join our celebration.

I wouldn't classify myself as an eloquent or expressive writer, but I will do my best to tell you the God written love story of Val and me. My first few years of knowing Val consisted of limited and short interactions. On a surface level, Val and I didn't have much in common. I thought he was annoying, and he thought I was boring, so we didn't have much of a desire to be around one another. However, in 2017 the option to keep our distance was no longer a choice. We began leading a small Bible discussion group and I knew the only way to lead effectively with him was to take the time and get to know him. During this time, I quickly learned that I had incorrectly pre-judged Val and I became acquainted with the many facades of his character and personality. I met the serious and focused Val, the loving and serving Val and I began to enjoy the playful Val. The more time we spent together the more our friendship blossomed. And the more I saw his willingness to take care for the members of our group and his genuine concern to care for me, helping me even when I wouldn't/couldn't take care of myself, I realized that I was beginning to care for him as more than a friend. Transitioning from friends, to romantic interests, to dating and now engaged has been a journey that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Our story has had its share of ups and downs; victories and failures and countless times spent in prayer asking for God's direction and guidance in our relationship. As I reflect on our impending forever journey together, I know that every day will not be sunshine and rainbows. But I can be assured of this, God will continue to be the head and center of our relationship and will help travel down this road together. I have faith that no matter what storms come our way the rain will produce beauty in our overall story!