The Journey

Our story began in October 2010 at a college church service. I was visiting with a friend, and while I saw Johnathan, relationships were the furthest thing from my mind. I found out later that he; however, definitely noticed me. A week or two after that I returned to the church and we found ourselves talking while I waited for a meeting. Eventually, I joined the church and became interested in the choir, which gave Johnathan the perfect excuse to get my number so he could, of course, "let me know when rehearsals were."

Soon, we were talking every day. We laughed, shared stories about our families, and became genuine friends. But what first captured my heart wasn't something Johnathan said to me. It was the way he cared for my daughter, Nevaeh. After church, he would walk us to the car, carry her if she had fallen asleep, place her gently in her car seat, and make sure she was buckled in safely. In those quiet moments, I began to see his heart.

Our first official date was at Golden Corral, my choice because I wanted somewhere relaxed where we could simply be ourselves. I wasn't looking for a relationship, but somewhere along the way, Johnathan had become an important part of my life. When he began considering moving back home to Gaffney, the thought of losing him devastated me. On January 11, I finally admitted why: **I was in love with him.**

After nearly two years of dating, conversations about marriage, and discovering that our family was growing, Johnathan decided there was no reason to wait. He proposed at one of my favorite restaurants, Macaroni Grill, and four weeks later, on February 15, 2013, we became husband and wife in the Wine Room at another favorite, MiMi's Cafe.

Marriage has given us beautiful memories, laughter, children, dreams, and also seasons that tested us in ways we never imagined. We have had to learn, grow, forgive, communicate differently, and choose one another again and again.

Our most difficult season has taught us what those choices really mean. Through serious health challenges and uncertain tomorrows, Johnathan has prayed for me, encouraged me, cared for me on days when I couldn't care for myself, and even spent nights awake simply listening to make sure I was still breathing.

Years ago, we dreamed about houses, cars, businesses, and everything we wanted to build together. Today, our dreams are simpler and somehow much bigger.

**We dream and pray for time.**

More time to grow old together. More time to dance. More time to laugh and crack jokes on each other. More time to travel, build businesses, serve in ministry, love our family, and one day proudly use our senior citizen discounts together.

This beautiful vow renewal, gifted to us through Wish Upon A Wedding and Molly's Lakeside by Wedgewood Weddings, gives us something incredibly precious: a day to lay aside the fears, health challenges, and decisions of tomorrow and simply celebrate what our love has endured.

And after everything we've been through, I still choose you, Johnathan.

**Because I don't want to know life without you.**