Her’s was among the many welcoming faces he saw when he first stepped into Hilltop Church Boston in February 2021. Over the next two years, they developed what could really only be called an acquaintanceship — a smile here, a nod there as they passed by each other on Sunday mornings.

Yet, their shared faith in Jesus Christ meant that their acquaintanceship ran far deeper. From afar, he admired the extravagance of her worship, the zeal of her intercession, and the big-heartedness of her service. She was impressed by the sincerity of his newfound commitment to Christ, his devotion to see the Gospel spread on his campus, and how highly people spoke of his character and kindness.

The pursuit of Christ was central to both of their lives, but for many seasons they ran after Him in parallel. It wasn't until a few years later that he finally glanced over and realized just who was journeying beside him.

As 2022 drew to an end, they discovered a shared passion for snowboarding and desire to visit a mutual friend in D.C. The holiday season took him to Arizona and her to Rhode Island, but thoughts about her and the time they might get to spend together in the new year lingered on his mind.

Back home, his mom asked him the perennial question of whether there were any updates to his love life. Usually there weren't, but this time he promptly pulled up a video of her leading worship at church. “She’s beautiful,” his mom delighted. He agreed.

Throughout the holidays, he unexpectedly found himself asking God for clarity and peace about her.

Lo and behold, they reunited in Boston in the new year and joined their friends on a snowboarding trip that weekend. She was, to his pleasant surprise, a much better snowboarder than he was.

A week later, they attended a church retreat together in New Hampshire, where he weaseled his way into her car to and from. On the return trip one late Saturday evening, they dreamed about ministry in the city they so loved. Desperately wanting to continue the conversation as she dropped him off at home, he asked nervously if she wanted to grab ice cream at New City Microcreamery and get a tour of MIT.

It was far too cold a winter evening for ice cream and a stroll, so he knew she wasn’t too repulsed by him when she accepted the offer.

A few days later, she invited him to join her on a prayer walk around Harvard, his future stomping grounds. He eagerly accepted (“squealed with delight” is more accurate).

Finally, a few days after that, he asked her if she wanted to grab hot chocolate at L.A. Burdick in Harvard Square. He was convinced that sparks were flying between them (though he later found out this was simply delusion), so he was determined to ask her out on a date.

“So anyways,” he interjected as their cups of hot chocolate began to empty. “I wanted to ask you something."

"Here are a few facts. Fact 1: You’re single, as far as I’m aware. Fact 2: I’m single, as far as I’m aware. So, I was wondering if you might be interested in helping each other change these facts."

"If so, there are at least two paths forward I can think of. One, either we could help set each other up with other people, which would be perfectly cool with me. Or two, we could date each other. My preference is the latter, but I wanted to get your thoughts on the matter…”

As an aside, the only reason he was able to string these words together without fumbling was because he had rehearsed the entire evening and morning before.

As he had anticipated, she needed time to prayerfully consider the ask and consult those in her trusted circle.

Though initially uncertain about giving him a "yes," she found herself with a peace she hadn't experienced in previous relationships. Still, erring on the side of caution, she consulted her closest friends, who unanimously encouraged her to follow the peace.

She found further affirmation when her mom called out of the blue and, without any foreknowledge of what had transpired, perceived that he had asked her out on a date and encouraged her budding relationship.

A few days later, she accepted his proposition of going on dates with each other as opposed to setting each other up with other people.

He was relieved.

And so began a love story in which he patiently waited for her heart and cared for her every concern, and she inspired him day after day to live in the fullness of what God had called him to.

The days to come were filled with walks of intercession, tastings of lattes, strolls through cemeteries, viewings of sunsets, meetings of friends & family, and, most importantly, the experiencing of God’s love, faithfulness, affirmation, healing, and peace.

July 2023 found them in Newport, Rhode Island, where he had spent time with her dad many months prior.

As they walked along the coast against the backdrop of the setting sun, he got down on one knee, expressed his deep affections for her, and asked her to be his wife. This time, without need for further deliberation, she said "yes."

That evening, they returned to Boston and went for yet another stroll to take in all that had happened. Well past midnight, they found themselves outside New City Microcreamery once again, the ice cream shop of their beginnings.

Given her overwhelming emotions when he caught her off guard on bended knee, she was disappointed that she didn't catch every word he said during the proposal. So, in the still of night, with not a soul around, he gently slipped the ring off her finger, got down one knee, and repeated:

“My darling, I can't even begin to comprehend God's kindness in gifting someone like you to me. I adore how deeply you love Jesus and how selflessly you pour yourself out for others, including me. I'd like to make a commitment to love you and to care for you in such a way that you would always love from a place of overflow, and in such a way that you would always know and feel your belovedness in Christ. I know I've found the one whom my soul loves in you, so I wanted to ask: Lillian Grace Carley, will you marry me?”

They're so excited to rejoice with you as they journey to the altar together.