There once was a man who wasn’t sure he was looking for love, yet he logged into Facebook Dating every day. One day he matched with a woman named Alexus and opened with a corny pick-up line about taking her golfing. They talked for weeks, and he quickly realized he needed to meet her. Her beauty, intelligence, and strength pulled him in long before he ever saw her in person.

He took her on a date to Annapolis, and from that moment, he wanted every chance to be with her. When she invited him to the Renaissance Festival with her closest friends, he jumped at it. By the end of the day, he realized he was falling for her faster than he could deploy a parachute. Something about her heart and soul drew him in completely.

As weeks and months passed, he fell deeper in love and felt himself fitting into her family, seeing where her compassion and strength came from. He didn’t know exactly where the future led — only that it was leading toward her.

Then came the trip to El Salvador with her parents and best friend, Will. Unprepared but certain, he bought a ring on the last day in that beautiful country. At dinner on the last night with that beautiful woman and her loved ones, he asked Alexus to marry him, and she said yes.

Life hasn't been perfect and the couple has been through a lot this year. But no matter what, they always chose each other. They still do. They always will.

That man is John William Bredbenner III. And I love you, Alexus.

Thank you for reading the beginning of our story. We’re so grateful you’ll be with us to celebrate the rest of it.