Our Story
How it all began
Of motorcycles & women's conferences
It all began in the summer of 2008. David's church, Living Bread Fellowships, was planning to host a women's conference and our mutual friend, Jill Weber, had asked both of us to be involved in the worship team. David would be playing guitar, and I (Rachael) would be singing. We met for some worship practices, but neither of us really spoke to each other, even though our families had known each other for quite some time. This was probably largely due to our age difference (David is 10 years older than me) and because I was never the sort of girl to approach a guy, and he didn't talk to me. Little did David know that in high school, my friends had jokingly referred to him as the "hot pastor's son."
After the women's conference, David's sister, Amy, found him the perfect companion: an adorable yorkie-poo he named Elliot. Jill, knowing that I can't resist a cute puppy, got us to meet again under the guise of meeting Elliot. We talked a little, and found out we both studied the same subject area (communications) during college and would have similar degrees. Through more semi-sneaky planning, Jill found ways for us to meet up again, and before we realized it we were heading off to an unofficial date to see "Batman" with some friends. I was impressed with how charming David was from the beginning, and how comfortable I felt around him. I knew that if nothing else, here was someone I could be great friends with.
A few dates later, David took me for my very first motorcycle ride and asked me to officially be his girlfriend. Later, he joked that he figured it was a pretty safe bet that I would say yes, since were were moving 50 mph on a bike he had control of.
I would have said yes no matter what: I was already falling for him!
The engagement
It was the weekend of my college graduation - May 16, 2009 - and David and I had endured almost a year of being long-distance, only seeing each other on weekends and holidays. We were both looking forward to living closer, and David was being absolutely wonderful helping me prepare for the move and getting everything packed up and figured out. He and my family were there during my graduation ceremony, and David surprised me with a graduation party after church the next day. However, despite all of his help and party planning, he told me he still felt bad he hadn't gotten me a graduation present. I had been complaining about forgetting my sunglasses, so he suggested we ride the motorcycle over to mall and get me a new pair as a graduation gift from him. I thought that sounded fun, and I really wanted some shades, so off we went. At the time, I wondered why everyone at the party made a big deal about us leaving to get sunglasses - they were all waving and hugging us - but I blew it off and happily picked out a cute new pair of Fossil glasses. I was thrilled with my cute new shades and figured that, in addition to all of David's amazing help that weekend, was more than enough of a present. We hopped back on the bike, and I figured we were headed back to the party. However, David drove out of town. I mentioned that I was a little cold on the bike to be taking a long ride, and that I thought it might be rude just to take off at my own graduation party. David didn't seem worried though and pulled over to give me a chance to "warm up."
When we pulled over, David told me how much I meant to him and jokingly teased me about what it would take to get me to marry him someday. I told him all he would have to do is ask. He replied, "Really, is that all?" and got down on one knee.
I still thought he might be joking around, but then he started to dig in his pocket.
He pulled out a little black box and I started to cry. I couldn't believe it! The he asked me to marry him, and I hugged him and said yes. He pulled out the most beautiful ring I have ever seen and put it on my finger, and made me the happiest girl in the entire world.
We drove back and there everyone was, waiting for us and throwing rice at us as we drove in. They had all known!
I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have such amazing friends and family, but most of all I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with the most wonderful man alive, and my best friend in the world, my David. I love him.
