They first met at a community group through their church. “He was one of the leaders of the group so I met him right away, but the group was big enough that we really didn’t get to know each other very well that first year.” That following year in October, they had their first official date at Rachel’s house for a movie night. “We had hung out a few times in September so I knew at that point that I really enjoyed talking to him and spending time with him. I was nervous for him to come over. I really wasn’t sure if things would go any further than friendship, but he was really easy and fun to be around so I was excited to get to know him better.” 

Earlier this year (on my birthday!), David proposed to Rachel. “One evening in late January when we were chatting, David brought up marriage. We had discussed it several times before but he shared with me that he had already talked to my parents to get their blessing and that he wanted me to help him pick out the ring. So…I had an idea that a proposal was coming.

“We had a free weekend and David showed up that morning with flowers. I love flowers and he is pretty sweet about bringing me flowers on random occasions so I didn’t know that the day would be anything out of the ordinary. We went to Wilson’s Apple Orchard for a walk that day, which was a fitting location. It is the place we went to most frequently over the last year and a half. We were walking around the orchard when he stopped at one point and said that he wanted to play me a song that made him think of me. He started playing the song, but it was an instrumental, so about half way through it I laughed and asked, ‘Why does this song make you think of me??!’ That is when his hand went to his pocket and I had an idea I knew what was coming next. Before I knew it, he was down on one knee and I was saying ‘Yes!'”

David said he “admire[s] Rachel’s steadfast devotion to her God, her family, and her friends.” And described her as having unconditional love, compassion, and being hard-working and industrious. Rachel said it’s hard to narrow it down to one thing she admired most about David. “I feel like David can do anything that he sets his mind to and I love that about him.” She says he is trustworthy, devoted, and patient.

The countdown is on as their wedding is coming in less than 2 months and I asked them both what they are looking forward to most about the day. David said, “At the end of the day…being married to Rachel!” and Rachel said, “Marrying my best friend and spending the rest of our lives together.” It’s going to be such a beautiful day and I’m so so excited to celebrate the beginning of their marriage with them! 

Rachel’s makeup by Mood’s Salon & Spa.