Family and faith are what first brought us together. Julianna’s brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Ashley, had just joined Jubilee Church in Woodstock, Georgia, where Silas had been a member for years. While Julianna was visiting from Pennsylvania over the 4th of July, they asked if she’d like to be set up with “a really cool guy” from their church, and she said yes. A few days later, Joseph mentioned the idea to Silas during an ultimate frisbee game, and soon after, Silas sent Julianna the first text on July 17th, 2024, the very day Julianna had been praying God would bring that text. From that moment, we began to see God’s hand guiding our steps. A month later, we met in person over family dinner, had our first date of Indian food and ping pong, and decided to continue our relationship long-distance, trusting God with the unknowns. What followed was many calls, visits, and holidays with each other’s families as our relationship grew deeper.

Exactly one year from that very first text, on July 17th, 2025, Silas asked Julianna to marry him, and she joyfully said yes! Our relationship has always been built on Jesus. We’ve discovered a shared love for God’s Word, His people, and His Kingdom, and we’ve seen His faithfulness in every step of our story. As we prepare for marriage, we’re not only celebrating the love God has given us for each other, but also rejoicing in the greater love it represents: the love of Christ for His Church.