After three and a half years of failed setups by mutual friends Noah and Cassidy, we met July, 22nd 2022. Noah and Cassidy orchestrated a game night at camp Areopagus where we got to know each other over a game of Telestrations. Mutual love for fun and games continues to be a favorite part of our relationship.

During Jon Paul's first visit to Arkansas, we stopped in at the Dark Side Coffee Shop. Is there anywhere better to have a deep conversation than over a cup of coffee? An inside joke was not all that we connected over. Throughout the course of our relationship, we have learned of many other crazy connections like watching Veggie Tales in Mardels, attending Y.O.U., and even having the same music teacher.

We didn't want to say, "goodbye" at the end of our first date, so we found a park bench to sit and talk. I put my arm around Abigail and asked her how she thought the relationship was going, and she said, "It's been perfect." I told her I felt the same way, and it's been perfect ever since.

At Abigail's childhood home, there is a dock where she has special memories of connecting with God through worship and prayer. While visiting Abigail's childhood home, we had a special time of creating a memory of connecting with God together. Taking time to connect with God through prayer and worship continues to be a hallmark in our relationship.

Family and acknowledging our roots have been important to us. During some of our first times together we took turns going to places in Arkansas and Tennessee that held significant memories for us.

With long distance relationships, intentional face to face times are special. On one of our favorite dates, we spent the day exploring Petit Jean. Our day started early as we made it to the mountain in time to watch the sunrise and enjoy a moment of worshiping and sitting in awe of our creator. It was the perfect day of connection with each other and God.

One week before the proposal, Abigail and I returned to all the places mentioned above, and I gave her letters with the corresponding titles and values for each one. I told her, "This is not the place" at each location, much to her annoyance. For the proposal, I set up lights and pictures of our story in her parents' backyard, and they invited her over for a game night. After she arrived, I called her and said, "This is the place!" We decided to make this commitment because of our admiration for one another's character and faith.

We are excited to share this part of our story with you at our wedding!