Our story began at St. Catherine of Siena, where we both volunteered as table hosts for the Alpha program. What started as simply helping guide conversations and encouraging others in their faith became something far greater. Week after week, God was quietly writing a love story neither of us could have planned. Alpha didn't just draw us closer to Him, it brought us to each other.

From there, the lakefront quickly became our place. On our very first date, we sat on a bench by the water and talked for hours, never realizing how much that spot would come to mean. So when the time came to propose, Michael brought me back to that same bench. With our first dance song quietly playing in the background, he handed me a scrapbook he had made filled with every memory of our relationship. On the very last page was a drawing of him on one knee...and when I looked up, he was making the drawing come to life.

After I said yes, the night became even more unforgettable. Michael had secretly gathered our family and friends at Blue Crab, the very first restaurant we ate together after our Alpha retreat, to celebrate with us.

Surrounded by love, laughter, and God's grace, it was the perfect beginning to forever.