Drew and Brianna met in September of 2017. Drew had just moved to California from Batesville, Arkansas, to work as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician. He only knew two people in California when he arrived. Hoping to grow his circle of friends in a likeminded peer group, he visited the Bridge Bible Church, incidentally on their annual “Small Group Sunday”. The church was promoting their small group ministry and launching a number of new groups for all demographics. What better way to get to know some good people? But… which group would be the best fit? At the sign-up tables in the courtyard, a young pastor at the church chatted with Drew for a minute and said, “See where that girl is signing up? I think that group would be perfect for you!” A girl with long blond hair had her back turned as she filled out the little card and then promptly headed to her car. The fleeting picture seemed so insignificant, but Drew would later wish to recall it in more vivid detail. At the time, Brianna was also looking for a change in her life. A persistently encouraging mentor recommended she join a young adult’s group at this new church she was attending called The Bridge Bible Church. Brianna was not completely sold on the idea but decided to give it a try. At The Bridge, Brianna asked the staff members which group they recommended for her. She signed up at the table they recommended, then briskly walked to her car excited to meet her friend for lunch.

The next Wednesday rolled around and the new group met at the church, since the group leader didn’t have room at his house. For Brianna, the nerves were there, she may be outgoing, but she doesn’t love change. Drew was excited and felt that God had people he wanted him to meet. Bible study came and went, nothing special. The following week, the church was using the room for an event, so the group would have to find a better spot to hangout. The group leader, knowing Brianna lived alone, reached out and asked if she wanted to host. Her initial thought was “ABSOLUTELY NOT”, but she texted back yes. She made a bunch of food to overcompensate for her nervousness and hoped if they ate and left, she would never have to host again. Drew attended that week and each week following. Each week he got more confident and eventually asked Brianna for her number. She thought he wanted to bring snacks and gave it to him in hopes that he would! Instead, he asked her to hang out with some mutual friends for the day, and she agreed!

Drew took Brianna to Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield California, to show her some of the aircraft that he was doing repairs and inspections on at his job. Todd and Elise, their mutual friends, met them there and invited them to the Avocado Festival in Santa Barbra for the day. Brianna (allergic to Avocados) said yes because she is a ride or die kind of girl and didn’t want to stop hanging out with this handsome guy. Todd and Elise jumped in a plane and took off. Drew pulled out the second plane and handed her a headset while Brianna looked around for a pilot. Drew admittedly had never specifically told her that he was a pilot, but assumed that she had gathered as much from the pictures he had shown her from some of his flying adventures. He would later find out that she just thought he had taken the photos as a passenger. He helped her get situated in the right seat, and he got in the left seat. This was her first time in a small plane, but she did an amazing job at hiding the fear she was feeling and the fact that she was secretly sending photos to her parents in case he was kidnapping her so they knew who to look for. Instead, she was as stiff as a board and prayed they did not die, and was glad their destination was somewhere she was familiar with in case she needed to make a run for it. Drew was grinning ear-to-ear, oblivious to the fact that Brianna had no idea he was a pilot, and they were off. They flew to the beach and both agreed it was a perfect first date!

Starting their relationship in the air, it continued on November 20, 2020. Drew told Brianna he needed to take a passenger on a flight and asked if she would attend with him. Little did she know that the passenger was her! At sunset, Drew proposed to Brianna as they were flying and she said YES!!