Our story begins with our best friends(Josh & Alexandra!) getting married. We met the night they got married at their reception. I(Maria) was Alexandra's maid of honor and Christian was a guest at their dinner. I (Christian) was sitting on the other end of the table where the wedding party was sitting when I noticed Maria for the first time. I said to myself that night I wanted to get to know her and spend some more time with her. Fast forward two weeks later, Maria, myself, Alexandra, and Josh were hanging out at their home when I realized just how much I liked Maria. As the night went on, I knew I wanted to have a close relationship with her. At the end of the night I asked her for her phone number. As we began talking regularly, it was apparently clear that I wanted something serious with this woman. On the night of our first date, we discussed what we were looking for in a relationship. We both agreed that we were wanting marriage ultimately. At the end of the night, we decided that we wanted to start dating. As time went on, we grew to a point where now we are planning our wedding and we can't wait to celebrate with you! I(Maria) agree with everything that Christian said! The night of Josh and Alexandra's wedding, I was busy with all the wedding things, so I noticed him quickly and said hello and introduced myself, but that was about it that evening! I was also talking with someone else at the time, so I didn't really think much further than that Christian is one of Josh's friends and that I was happy that he was there to celebrate them. As the weeks went on, I was deeply praying about who I was talking to at the time and the Lord convicted me to end what we had during that time. At that point, I was honestly quite confused and hurt, but I knew that being obedient is what I needed to do. At the time, I didn't fully know, but I was giving up something good for something better. Jesus always blesses our obedience! When I went over to Josh and Alexandra's for dinner with Christian a few weeks later, I began to really notice Christian and who he truly was, and I really liked what I saw! ;) So when he asked for my number that evening, I was excited but had no idea if it would go anywhere... but thank you Jesus it did! We dated for about 8 months and Christian proposed on Good Friday(it was simple and sweet and perfect)! Our time spent dating has had many beautiful moments and a fair share of difficult ones, but through many hours of prayer, conversations, moments of deep transparency and vulnerability, joys, hardships, blessings and sacrifices, we are so, so excited to celebrate the beginning of this Sacrament and covenant with you all! Thank you for all your love and support!!