I am sitting on the 38th floor of my hotel on Michigan Avenue, Magnificent Mile, out looking the beautiful city and mulling over all that happened yesterday. Yes- I popped the Question to my beautiful girlfriend! It all started in Chicago, so I thought it appropriate to continue the Chicago milestones.

Three years ago in May, I drove out here where Adrienne attends Moody Bible Institute to spend a few days with my cousin Ryan who attended Illinois Institute of Technology. That’s what I told her, but we all know I was there to spend time with her. So at the end of my three-day visit, I asked her to consider dating me. Soon after, she came home to Rochester for the summer and we began our dating relationship.

We can take Zero credit for our relationship. God brought us together through ministry. Back before we dated, I was very involved with the Middle School ministry at Woodside and soon after, she became a leader as well. As time went by, I would ask her to help out with other random projects I was working on throughout the church: Missions Conferences, Christmas sets, etc. Ministry is such a great way to see someone’s heart. At the time I was pursuing my Architecture degree and I knew ministry was a passion but I never knew God would redirect my path into full time, vocational ministry. So, Adrienne has been with me throughout the past three interesting years where we watched and experienced God change us, preparing us for a life together serving Him!

Sentimental Details of ‘the day’:
On Thursday, March 8th, I flew to Chicago in the morning. Adrienne had no idea that I was on my way; it was a complete surprise. I arrived in the afternoon because I had details to work out before 5pm when all the fun began.

Have you seen the movie Elizabethtown? Well, in this rather contemplative movie, Kirsten Dunsts’ character sends Orlando Blooms’ character on a road trip by himself to ‘get into the deep beautiful melancholy of all that has happened.’ This trip was complete with maps, music, and emotion. This movie happens to be a favorite of Adrienne’s, so I set up a similar setting.

I surprised her at work and presented her with a book and music to start the journey, and then she was relieved early from her job to follow the map. When she saw me, I think the exact words were, “I’m so confused”. After all, what I doing there- I live in Troy. I kissed her and told her I would see her later. The next two hours were filled with visits to memorable spots, pictures, short stories, all building up to the end where we met in front of Mies Van der Rohe’s Lake Shore Drive apartments on Lake Michigan (this spot holds significance). Also, one of my favorite Architects! It was here where I asked her the big question: ‘where do you want to eat dinner’ –just kidding. You all know what I asked. (She said yes)

All of the events are still sinking in…
We are thrilled for the future and beautiful Adventure together with our Savior-