Our story: an introduction

"So, how did you two meet?"

My husband and I get asked this constantly. And I totally understand why.

 We began dating in January (yes, of this year). 

We got engaged in March. 

We said "I do" on July 27. 

 
 As one friend said this weekend...

"By the time I knew you were dating someone, you were already married!"

Tell me about it. In every sense of the word, our love has been a whirlwind—one of those things that looks hazardous or out of control unless you're standing right in the center of it.

Which is why, I think, people want to know our story. Here's the problem: It's long. It's complex. It's rich. It spans years. I never feel like I have enough time to do it justice, and secretly fear that if I go into allllllll the details, the asker's eyes will begin to resemble a pair of Krispy Kremes (as in, they'll glaze over).

Meaning "We grew up in the same church" is usually the answer I go with. It's true, but not even close to capturing the ins and outs of our whole story. 

Recently, I've been working on a manuscript for a how-to book based on Hitched in a Hurry, the bridal column I wrote for D Weddings throughout our speedy engagement. In short, the book is a guide for the sprinters of the wedding world—i.e., brides who (like me!) are planning weddings in six months or fewer.

In chapter one, I ask my brides/readers this question: "What's your hurry?"

Because if they're anything like me, they'll be asked this question all the time over the course of their engagements (and at their weddings, and as they begin their marriages). For this reason, it's beyond important for these gals to establish a "why"—integral, even. Otherwise, naysayers ("You'll walk the aisle naked!") and question-askers ("Are you sure you've really thought this through?") will begin to dampen their formerly bright, optimistic bridal spirits.

For the record, here's the "why" behind MY hurry: Because God moved in incredible, impossible, and sometimes almost imperceptible ways to bring my husband and me together. Because our set-up was nothing short of Divine. Because the Lord gave my husband eyes to see me as He does, and allowed me the same insight into my husband. In light of these things, how could we NOT sprint down the aisle to exchange the vows that would make us lifelong, permanent teammates? How could we NOT join our lives together as quickly as possible, that we might give Him glory for the great thing He had done in giving us to one another?

That being said, I thought I'd take a few blog posts to tell our story. The whole story. Consider this the introduction, with chapter one soon to follow. (Teaser: A list titled "People I would go on a date with," beginning with Tim Tebow, got this whole thing started. Dream big, right?)

I truly hope that you'll "stay tuned" for each crazy episode. It's our greatest testimony as a couple, and the biggest blessing I've received in my life personally. 

But please note: No donut-eyes allowed. (wink, wink)