Once upon a time there were two kids who fell in love. Not with the kind of love that is young and foolish. It was a real love, a mature kind of love, a forever kind of love.

I, Maddie, always knew that when I entered into a relationship with someone, I was going to be very intentional about it. I realized very quickly that most of the guys my age did not have that same mindset. In high school I made the decision to guard my heart, and I wanted to wait for whoever it was that God had in store for me.

He made it abundantly clear sooner than I thought He would.

It was in September of 2020 that I went to a Chastity talk by Jason Evert. Joseph was also at this talk, but at the time, we were only acquaintances.

I remember growing up around his family, and I guess you could say he was my first crush, at least that is what they call it when you are 9 years old and in love.

Now I was 17, and even though I thought he was cute, I was trying really hard not to let my heart get distracted...after all, I figured there was no way he could be interested in me.

Well it was at this talk that Jason Evert said, You could be sitting by the person you are going to marry someday.

Meanwhile, Joseph was sitting right behind me. Coincidence? Maybe...but something in my heart told me to pray for him.

That night in adoration, that is exactly what I did. For the first time I really prayed for my future husband, and I prayed that if Joseph was meant to be in my life that we would grow in friendship. I felt so much peace, joy, and love flowing from Jesus that night. I wasn't sure what His plan was, but I could feel Him working. Sure enough He really was.

Shortly after this talk, I started having more and more opportunities to get to know Joseph on a more personal level. He is such an incredible person, with such great qualities, that at the time, I was honestly content with just being friends with him. Well it turns out we both had real feelings for each other without even knowing it.

Joseph was homeschooled growing up, which meant that he did not have a school prom. So what did he do? He asked me to my own prom. Yes, you read that right.

Well, the way he actually said it was, hey...if you happen to not have a date by prom next year I know a guy who would be happy to go with you. He was obviously referring to himself haha.

I was shocked, but also impressed that he had the courage to even ask, so of course I took him to my senior prom. From that point forward it was made clear that there was something very special about Joseph. I had never met someone who was as hardworking, deep in their faith, and intentional about a relationship as He was, and still is. This was exactly what I had been praying for in a man.

Joseph did not want to start dating me until marriage was in sight for us, meaning that he wanted to make sure he had a steady job before we started officially dating. For about 2 years we were intentional friends. We took that time to discern, and to get to know each other without all of the physical aspects that come with a relationship.

I will say that was the best decision I could have ever made. Throughout those two years of my life, God answered every desire of my heart so beautifully, and made it abundantly clear that Joseph was going to be my husband.

Now I am counting down the days and counting the blessings that God has given us during this season. God is so good, and I pray every day that our marriage will embody His goodness.

Thank you to everyone who has followed us along on this journey and who has kept us in their prayers. We are so grateful to have you all in our lives, and we can not wait to celebrate this beautiful sacrament with all of you.

God Bless,

Joseph and Madeline

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