HOW WE MET
KEVIN
I didn't really know what was going to happen when I moved to Charleston, but I knew that God was calling me down here and knew that must mean there were great things in the path ahead. I wanted to quickly get involved with a church so I could meet some people and possibly network my way into a job. As many of you know, and the rest of you can read on my blog, my adventure in Charleston started very slowly so I had a lot of time to meet people and hang out. I met Laura through the church college and 20's group. I definitely didn't have dating on my mind. I didn't have a job, a place to live, or anything to give… I knew I wasn't in a position to impress anyone! As I got to know Laura better, I was drawn to the passion she had for God and the anti-human trafficking movement. It wasn't until we had the opportunity to go on a backpacking trip together that I finally started to think about her more as a friend. We got back from the trip and I started praying about what our relationship should look like. A couple weeks after that Laura decided that we were hanging out and talking too much for just being friends. Well… that sucked. The best friend I had in Charleston didn't think we should talk or hang out much anymore. It's a good thing that I was already considering making the move - she just sped it up a little bit! God used that to help me understand that she was someone peaceful to me and a girl I would enjoy spending more time with. At that point marriage was on the horizon. (I learned earlier in life that if marriage wasn't at the end of the road, don't waste your time and emotions starting down it!)
I'm stoked to be entering into a marriage that is Christ-centered and adventure inspired. I think the greatest adventure in life is living for God, so to have someone to walk/run/stumble through that adventure with is going to be awesome - mostly encouraging! Our relationship has been filled with relationships and adventures. We love being around people and spending time with friends and family, and we've loved getting away into the mountains, out in the ocean on kayaks, or to the beach with some friends for a day. I can't wait to continue those adventures in marriage!
LAURA
Kevin and I met through friends from church shortly after Kevin arrived from Charleston in Summer 2012. The first time I saw Kevin he was extremely tan and way too blonde, and he was wearing a tank top and earrings. I thought he looked pretty guido. Later that night we went to ice cream with a group of friends and all I heard him talk about were birds and bears. Needless to say, it wasn't love at first sight! :) After a while, we found we actually got along very well due to many common interests. We soon became best friends. We enjoyed hiking and mountain trips, long boarding, being active and outdoors, exploring new places, playing soccer, running, and spending time at the beach, and longed to travel the world. Our friends began to make comments about us being together before it was on our radars. I soon I learned Kevin wasn't only a person who had similar interests as me, but similar passions and dreams. He has a strong heart to seek the Lord in everything he does and is a challenging and inspiring example to me in loving all people well. We went on our first date on December 28, 2013 and became "official" on January 7, 2014. And the rest is history!
PRE-WEDDING PICNIC
A lot of you were probably directed here by an invitation that my parents sent out for a picnic at their house on September 12th. We are so excited to be married and Charleston is a very beautiful and special place for us to enjoy the ceremony. Unfortunately, we couldn't manage a wedding that would include everyone that we wanted to celebrate with, and the distance from home has made it tough as well. I truly value the relationships I've had in the past, and know that a lot of those relationships will continue into my marriage and grow into a relationship that includes Laura as much as me! I was not able to track down addresses for everyone I had hoped to invite, so please contact myself or my parents for information and stop by even if you did not receive an invitation.
I'm so excited for you all to meet Laura and get to know her. The greatest thing we will walk away with after our time with you is the relationships that have grown and been established, but I've learned that some people just really love getting people gifts! I don't want anyone to feel like they have to bring anything other than themselves (if I could put spending time with you on my registry I would!), but if you desire to give something please visit Zola.com, Target or Bed, Bath & Body for our registries (October 3 wedding date).
We're so excited to share our special low-country boil with you and your families on September 12th! See you soon!
