Our journey began in the summer of 2025, just six months after Monica moved to McCall. Our paths first crossed at Monica’s workplace. In that brief initial introduction, Don felt a tug on his heart - an answer to his prayers for new love. Monica, too, felt something stir - an unshakable sense that she already knew him, as if they’d met before.

That connection led to a lakefront coffee date at Shore Lodge. What was meant to be a get-to-know-you visit turned into a 3-hour conversation - the kind that feels easy, unhurried, and quietly meaningful. There was a calm between us, a sense of joy and curiosity that made it feel like we had known each other much longer than we had.

In the days that followed, Monica, with almost comical determination, tried to place the feeling of familiarity. Don had a quiet certainty about what was unfolding, but he gave Monica the grace to come to it in her own time. Those early days were filled with intention, meaningful conversation, and a desire to understand one another’s lives, values, and dreams. It didn’t take long for Monica’s head to catch up with what her heart already knew: she had found the one her soul loves.

From the beginning, something about it felt different - peaceful, honest, and full of quiet promise. What started as a spark quietly grew into something steady and deeply rooted. Through prayer, a whole lot of grace, and the quiet unfolding of something we couldn’t explain, we began to see this wasn’t chance or fate - it was love that wouldn’t wait. It was God’s work.

Our love is built on trust, shared values, and simple joys. It’s thoughtful and grounded, and carries the peace of knowing we’re exactly where we’re meant to be. While we are so excited to become husband and wife and share our remaining days together, this day is about more than our wedding. It’s a celebration of God's work – the timing and grace that brought us together – peace after searching, love after loss, and something neither of us saw coming, but both of us recognized when it arrived.

Celebrating our marriage at Shore Lodge, where it all began, feels like a continuation of our story - one that started with a simple cup of coffee and led us somewhere more beautiful than we could have planned on our own.

We are deeply grateful to our family and friends who have walked with us, encouraged us, and stood beside us. Whether you’ve known us for years or welcomed us into each other’s lives with open arms, your warmth and compassion have made this season all the more meaningful. We love you dearly. Your presence in our lives is a blessing, and we can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with you.

With love,

Monica & Don