We met on a blind date on December 15th, 2023, set up by two great mutual friends of ours (they are in the wedding too!). The only things we knew about each other were the colleges we attended and that our love for the Lord was the most important thing about us. This made me really attracted to Kara before I even knew what she looked like. When I first opened her apartment door, I was blown away by her deep blue eyes and her light-hearted laugh. She was genuinely the most beautiful girl I had ever seen (and she still holds that title to this day).

We went to Mexican Sugar for dinner, where I learned about Kara becoming a Christian in college—something similar to my own story. I was blown away by her character. I’d never met anyone like her before! We then went ice skating in Frisco, TX, where I learned even more about Kara's life and how Jesus plays the most important role in it. I knew this godly woman was special. I remember driving home afterward, feeling giddy and excited, knowing Kara was the type of woman I had always prayed for.

A few weeks later, on January 13th, 2024, I asked Kara to make it official and be my girlfriend (great start to the new year, in my humble opinion—10/10). Over the next nine months, I had a front-row seat to Kara's life and the incredible woman she is. Here are a few characteristics I’ve witnessed in Kara's life that leave me in awe: she loves others selflessly (even at her own expense), she is quick to seek understanding, she can make anyone laugh, her smile is contagious, she is empathetic, she advocates for those in need, and she has Jesus as her foundation.

I knew this was the kind of woman God would want me to marry (Proverbs 31 and 1 Peter 3:3–4), so on October 19th, 2024, I proposed to Kara Lynn Stiegler. I can’t imagine someone better than Kara to spend the rest of my life with. We have experienced so much joy by reflecting on the personal work that Jesus has done in our lives, and we wouldn’t be here without Him. If you have yet to experience a personal relationship with Jesus, Kara and I would always love to share the joy and rest that He brings.

Each and every one of you plays a unique role in our lives.

Thank you for being a part of our big day.