Austin and I met at a beautiful missionary and bible conference center right on Lake Michigan. The first thing I noticed about Austin was his kindness and selflessness. I knew he was someone I wanted to befriend. The following school year was full of many trips between my college campus and Austin's hometown. We became best friends, and I had no intention of being anything more. Austin on the other hand, pursued me for that year and a half, with hopes of a romantic relationship. I finally came to my senses in December of 2016 and we started dating. I am so beyond grateful for Austin, he is everything I never knew I needed, and even more than I could ever ask for. And I get to be his wife! Praise be! Austin is just one testament to how God's plans are far greater than my own.

I knew it was time to propose to Jess. I had been thinking and praying about proposing for about 4 months leading up to it. After spending time talking to my parents, friends, and God, I knew it was time to ask her Dad for permission to propose. Jess and I LOVE games. So when the day came, I decided to propose to Jess with a game modeled after an escape room. I created the escape room while she was away at a baby shower. I wrote clues on pieces of paper and hid them throughout her Nana’s house. Before Jess got back, I left to set up a picnic at a park where we had volunteered. The final clue told her of my location, and she came to find me. When I saw Jess walking towards me, I started getting nervous. But those nerves quickly turned to excitement! All I could do was smile as she approached me. When Jess arrived, I handed her a bag of Jelly Bellies as her “prize” for winning the game. She opened the bag, and on top was the ring box. I got down on one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with me. She said yes! I will never forget the joy I felt in my heart because of who God has blessed me with.