Our story began in 1983, when two 10-year-olds met in a 5th grade classroom at Joshua Elementary. We were just children then — unaware that a quiet thread had already begun weaving our lives together. Though we remained friends through the years, life carried us down different roads, each of us walking paths with obstacles we did not yet understand.

Time and again, our lives briefly intertwined with one another, reconnecting only to drift apart once more. All along, God was gently molding and shaping us, though we could not see the design. We did not understand the waiting, the detours, or the closed doors. But looking back now, we see His hand in every step — preparing our hearts, strengthening our faith, and guiding us toward His perfect timing.

What once felt like disappointments, unanswered prayers, and seasons of uncertainty were, in truth, divine refinements. Every obstacle, every lesson, every chapter was shaping us into the people we needed to become so that when the moment finally arrived, we would be ready.

On October 27, 2023, a simple conversation between lifelong friends sparked something neither of us expected. And on November 1, 2024 — yes, Texas Rangers fans, perhaps this explains that long-awaited World Series win — our first date marked the beginning of something extraordinary. From that night forward, we were no longer two separate paths wandering — we were one journey unfolding.

In each other, we found a love marked by peace, adoration, comfort and joy. We discovered a sacred space where we are fully known, deeply understood, and completely safe. Our bond grew stronger with each passing day, rooted in mutual respect, unwavering faith, and a shared sense of purpose. It became beautifully clear that this was the love we had both prayed for — the one God had been writing into our story all along.

And then, on Thursday, June 26, both of our dreams came true when we decided to walk together in covenant and in faith by getting engaged. “Excited” feels far too small a word for the joy in our hearts as we look ahead to April 17.

With grateful hearts and God’s abundant blessing, we invite our beloved family and friends to witness the moment two lives become one. As we begin this new chapter, we do so hand in hand — grounded in faith, overflowing with love, and confident in the beautiful story still being written.