It started all the way back in the summer of 2019. Brandy was approached by a cheerful older sister at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses whom she had never met before. The sister told Brandy she looked like she needed a hug and asked to make plans for field service as they hadn’t worked together before. That sister’s name was Marcia Schroeder. From that point on Marcia adopted Brandy as a granddaughter and affectionately came to be called, “Gram”. They spent many days in service, letter writing on zoom, and even had movie nights together. During this time is when Jacob met Brandy. His initial take on her was that she was a very quiet and reserved person. Brandy’s initial take of him was he was a quirky nerd and was very talkative. Obviously it wasn’t love at first sight. Running in the same circle of friends, Jacob became a good friend to Brandy. The year of 2021 would bring much heartache and loss to Jacob. Losing his Father and Mother just months apart from each other. A few days after his mothers passing his Grandmother Marcia suffered a fall that led to a brain hemorrhage. This being the same Marcia that had taken Brandy under her wing. During that time of grief Brandy proved to be what is mentioned at Proverbs 17:17, “A true Friend shows love at all times”, and she helped along with loved ones to care for Marcia in her final weeks. The following year would bring a whole different set of trials for Brandy. At the end of things it was only their love for Jehovah and their friendship that kept both Brandy and Jacob afloat. After Brandy’s divorce, Jacob’s Aunt suggested the idea of marriage. She said, “you both have such a wonderful friendship and better communication than most marriages have”. When Jacob brought this idea to Brandy her initial response was shock and laughter. They were similar in so many ways and had been through such a tumultuous few years that the idea of marriage was almost inconceivable. However after many months of toying with the idea and seeing if it was even plausible a small spark started to develop. It’s clear their love was very different by definition. But also already very strong, as they had been such good friends for several years now. Jacob proposed to Brandy on May 20th, 2023 down at the Beach in Destin Florida. It was Brandy’s favorite time to visit the beach. Night. When all the stars were visible. Jacob kneeled down on the same spot they shared their first kiss and asked her to marry him. Comically they were interrupted by crab hunters, much to Jacob’s irritation. Shorty after they shared their news with family and loved ones over the following weeks. What started as a good friendship born in tragedy turned into a love story full of hope! They learned that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain. On October 26th, 2023 they will gather with their family and loved ones to unite their hearts together forever and begin their new life as husband and wife!