we can't wait to celebrate with you!

Our story is a beautiful testament to God's faith and love. It began with Rachel's best friend and freshman-year roommate, Sophia, who came over to her apartment one day just to hang out. In a surprising turn of events, Sophia proposed setting Rachel up with a guy from her office. Although hesitant, Rachel agreed, and Sophia shared Rachel's Instagram profile with Matthew. While Rachel was on her spring break in London, Matthew reached out to her. Upon her return to the States, Matthew asked her to meet up, and four days later, he picked her up for what Rachel describes as "the best first date ever!" From that moment, they both began to fall quickly and can only look to God in thankfulness about how their love blossomed and unfolded so beautifully in His timing. After four long months of long distance, Matthew returned to Arizona to finish his last semester at GCU. The two have built a strong community of incredible friends and mentors and they are extremely grateful to God for them. Then on a beautiful October day, Matthew got down on one knee and asked Rachel to be his bride. Now they're eagerly awaiting the day they can celebrate with you and become another example of Christ and the Church to this world!

Rachel always dreamed of a surprise proposal, and Matthew was more than ready to make that dream come true. It all started back in July 2024, when Matthew flew out to Phoenix to visit Rachel from his summer internship in Washington. During the trip, they planned some future adventures, including a cozy fall getaway to Flagstaff, AZ, on October 12th to see the autumn leaves and visit a pumpkin patch—a landscape Rachel’s ND family could find minutes from home!! Little did Rachel know, that October day trip was the start of something much bigger. Matthew teamed up with her maid of honor, Lauren Thomas, and the rest of Rachel's bridal party to plan the ultimate surprise: an engagement party and proposal. The girls helped organize the whole event, making sure it would be the most stunning party Rachel had ever seen. Meanwhile, Matthew found the perfect ring, arranged for a photographer, and had Rachel plan the trip herself—just to throw her off and save him some time! After a few car tire issues, the two head up to Flagstaff and once they arrive to the Aspen trees they get out and start walking and exploring and at this point Matthew is acting a little odd but nothing big enough for Rachel to pick up on (come to find out he was trying to get to the pin the photographer, the couple's close friend, had sent him). Once the spot is somewhat secured the two take a seat on a tree log and start reading the Bible together and sharing insights with one another. Then Matthew lets Rachel know he has a letter for her that he wrote that morning and eagerly Rachel wants him to read. As he is reading it becomes clearer to her what is about to happen and before she knows he is asking her to stand up and he takes a knee and asks her to marry him! Now we are so excited for you to join us as we celebrate the union of Matthew and Rachel, a testament to God’s faithfulness and a love that knows no bounds.