Brad and Paige met at church and had their first conversations during group lunches with other young adults after service. Unbeknownst to each other, a mutual attraction was growing between them and when Brad asked Paige out she quickly and happily agreed. Their first date would be full of great stories, laughter and a remarkable sense of calm - characteristics that would quickly be cemented as hallmarks of their budding romance.

Early months presented challenges in finding time to be together as Paige finished her master's program and both of them had scattered travel plans. With time a limited resource the couple worked hard not to squander opportunities for fun, exploring new restaurants and hiking trails as the weather improved in late spring.

Paige finished her master's program and in May of 2024 the couple would travel to Chicago to celebrate Paige's graduation from Wheaton College. Paige's parents also traveled up for the ceremony and were able to meet Brad for the first time. It was a wonderful time together exploring Chicago, eating great food, and celebrating the culmination of Paige's hard work.

In June, Brad and Paige traveled to Spokane where Brad was playing in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with his brothers, giving Paige the opportunity meet Brad's family. Driving home from this trip, both Paige and Brad began to wonder what a long-term future together could look like while rejoicing in warm welcome each had received from the other's family.

The rest of the summer was full of barbecue dinners and outdoor activities, chief among them hiking in the Cascades and paddleboarding on the lake.

Brad proposed over Thanksgiving weekend, Paige joyfully agreed, and so began the cascade of celebrating and planning, culminating in the wedding we all get to celebrate on June 28th.