We met in 2022 as neighbors at our condo community in Lake Park, enjoying the intracoastal view, beach volleyball, and evenings out with friends. Our time together became more frequent as we talked about our lives and enjoyed the friendly competition of a few card games. By January 11, we realized our compatibility was deeper than sports and games. Katie fell fast in love with Mike's stoic sweetness; and he was inspired to be the man that she wanted and needed by her gorgeous smile, caring heart, and candid spirit. From early on, we knew that we had a love together that was special, and we've worked hard ever since to keep it strong!

Katie got to share her love of ocean paddleboarding with Mike, and luckily we had a friend on the beach who captured our beautiful first ocean sunrise together. We were blessed to swim with a school of 30+ tarpon when we jumped in to snorkel! We've enjoyed many underwater creatures together since then, like spotted eagle rays, octopuses, and a bull shark!

Mike threw Katie right into his favorite sport, disc golf. At first she was just intrigued by all the beautifully colored discs, but soon Mike had her hooked learning flight numbers and craving Kastaplast! We enjoy every opportunity to be in God's creation, but especially love these "walks in the parks," feeding squirrels, spotting gators, and chasin' birdies.

Katie was thrilled to be included in the Nowik Family Vacation Tradition in the Outer Banks. What an awesome week getting to know this incredible family in a wonderful beachhouse way with kiting, paddle-boarding, eating our way through a shrimp boil, and staying up way too late playing games. We conquered an adventurous disc golf course full of prickly pear cacti. Katie was also thrilled to be included in the family photos; turns out they won't have to crop her off the end of this picture after all!

As Mike got Katie back into volleyball again, it became apparent why she plateaued in years of PT by the seawall: her rotator cuff repair from '19 required a redo. Mike, Brent, and Katie's Mom gave her more love, food, fun, and sweetness than any post-op patient could ask for! It wasn't an active season, but this time of recovery tested Mike & Katie's relationship, and we came through stronger than ever!

We ventured to the Stuart Air show, where Katie got to learn from her aerospace engineer boyfriend what powers jet engines while admiring their maneuvers and thunderous afterburners.

We had the best Christmas ever as we spent time with both Mike's family in Pennsylvania and Katie's family in North Carolina. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of time with both families. This turns out to be when Mike asked Dr. Livesay's permission to marry his daughter! Permission was granted :)

Mike picked Katie up on Valentine's Day and casually asked if they could swing by the seawall to "say hi to Vivi" (our beloved neighbor and friend) on their way out to dinner. Always happy to see Vivi or the water, this didn't seem suspicious at all to Katie! However, it was a beautiful set up, and Mike proposed along the very seawall where we first met. Vivian recorded the special moment and brought out the champagne for the sweetest celebration!

As we plan this wedding celebration, we are so thankful and humbled that God brought us together. We reflect on God's goodness in our lives on our long separate journeys. Whether that goodness was obvious blessings or difficult seasons where prayers seemed unanswered, God has been faithful and merciful. We give Him all the Glory for loving us in the best way. We can never repay Jesus for his sacrifice that saved us from sin and a hopeless life, but we can gratefully love each other forever with the commitment and sacrifice that Jesus has relentlessly shown us. We pray that our relationship honors God and points others to seek the Savior we joyfully serve. If you are reading this, it is because you are a blessing in our journey, and we thank God for YOU!