I was honored to witness the beginning of Lane and Zoe’s story when we met during a missions gap year program. It was a wild time, adventuring and living with sixteen other young adults! Giving their attention to the many activities in our demanding schedule, Lane and Zoe were not yet captivated by the excellent qualities of the other. Over Bible studies and Tea Times, we built strong friendships. Both were known for their quiet and steadfast natures, for being highly sought-after sources of wisdom and support during hardships and trials. No one except themselves could say for sure when romantic interest sparked. Still, there is no doubt that by the end of the gap year, Lane and Zoe were gravitating toward each other with more than friendship in mind. What began as a camaraderie evolved after the program ended, quietly unfolding into an effortless love. Through countless conversations, endless cups of tea, long rambling walks in the forest, and the ineffable silent understanding of each other under starry night skies, Lane and Zoe built an unbreakable bond that had only one possible ending. Their relationship is a pure reflection of an even greater love story: Christ's selfless, sacrificial love for his Church. It is an immense privilege to glimpse that longed-for union in Lane’s noble and self-denying leadership and Zoe’s embodiment of true humility and grace. They exemplify what it means to serve one another in love, bear one another’s burdens, partake in and submit to divine covenant, and know each other fully. So now, with all of you, I anticipate the marriage of two dearly beloved souls. I can think of no one better suited to join in sacred union as man and wife. -Maddie Ward