We are getting formally Church Married!

It is incredible how time flies. Pete and I met through mutual friends in September 2016 in Port Townsend, Washington, a charming historic seaport with an artistic soul on the Olympic Peninsula. We began dating in early 2017, and it did not take long for Pete to join my parents and me on our annual summer trips, exploring various destinations across the United States and internationally. These experiences provided a wonderful opportunity for my parents to get to know Pete and for him to become part of our family. I have also had the privilege of visiting Pete’s parents and sister in California many times, spending quality time with them and building a strong bond. These visits have allowed me to connect with his family on a deeper level and truly feel welcomed into their lives. Our journey together has been an eventful one. Pete’s oldest daughter, Bethany, graduated from college, and his youngest daughter, Mallory, graduated from high school and soon after began her college journey. Meanwhile, Pete pursued his second master’s degree in Information Security, and I was immersed in writing my book. It was a transformative period for both of us as we embarked on a new chapter in our lives together. During this time, Pete and I took a trip to Utah together. Pete had previously lived in Utah and had always liked it there. Experiencing it for myself, I was amazed by the state’s beauty, outdoor opportunities, and unique charm. At one point, I casually mentioned the idea of living in Utah, and to my surprise, Pete immediately responded that he had been thinking the same thing. That moment solidified our decision to start planning a future there. Now, we are taking the next big step—relocating to a place that truly feels like home. After spending over a year updating our house, we faced some challenges in selling it, but we are determined to move before our wedding. To simplify the process, we decided to have a civil marriage in August 2024, avoiding the complexities of legal logistics. However, our hearts have always been set on celebrating our union in a church in Utah, as we believe it adds a spiritual significance to our marriage. We look forward to having our family and friends join us in Utah to celebrate this special moment and experience everything the state has to offer. We deeply appreciate everyone making the effort to be there, and we cannot wait to celebrate together.