In 2018, Kristen signed up her son (Elliott) to play soccer. Andrew was assigned to be his coach, and Andrew's oldest son (Joshua) played as well. Andrew was married and Kristen was in the process of a divorce from her son's dad. So, neither one of them ever imagined they’d be where they are today!

Andrew and Kristen ended up coaching a couple of soccer seasons together. They parted ways around the time COVID started ramping up as local recreational sports were canceled spring of 2020.

Unfortunately, they both ended up walking the path of divorce. Joining dating apps to meet people, in 2021 they matched on Hinge. It was more of a, "Hey stranger, funny seeing you here" kind of match. They started chatting- about their divorces, kids, and where they were in life. Kristen actually felt like he wasn't really ready for the same type of relationship she was looking for- so the conversations just faded. They matched again in spring of 2022, and they honestly don't know why, but conversations fizzled out again.

But God wasn't done with them yet...

In 2023, Kristen was going through a season that God had told her not to date, specifically to get off of dating apps, and to never go back on them. This started in June.

Andrew was in a season of being tired of the dating scene, and being content in his singleness.

Early fall, Summit High School had an elementary spirit night for one of their football games. Andrew was working security at the game (he had actually tried to get out of working that night!). Kristen took Elliott to the game since it was his school's spirit night. Andrew and Kristen ran into each other...again. Kristen was actually looking for Elliott because he had run off with his friends, and Andrew offered to help look for him. When Kristen found Elliott, she texted Andrew to let him know. After the game Andrew texted Kristen back, letting her know it was great running into her. They shared a few exchanges and Kristen let him know that she was in a season of not dating for at least 6 months, and she was in her 4th month. She told him she needed to continue to be obedient to God.

But, apparently, third time really is the charm...

Andrew said he was great being "just friends" throughout Kristen's season of not dating because it would give them time to get to know each other in a non-romantic way. Andrew asked Kristen to take a "non-date" walk shortly after running into each other. A pattern of regular walks started and they began to get to know each other better. They realized quickly that they shared many things in common- their love for Jesus and commitment to following Him, their love for their kids and family, and their love for serving others. Both working in public service- Andrew as a military veteran and police officer and Kristen as a former ER and critical care nurse, now Family Nurse Practitioner- they naturally have the desire to serve others and love them well. They shared a lot of laughs, and talked about "the hard stuff" early on. They weren't interested in casual dating, and they had specific things they were looking for in a partner and relationship. They both said on their very first walk that if there wasn't potential for a future, they weren't even interested in dating a person.

After nearly a month of spending time together, God started stirring in Kristen's heart that this could turn into a dating relationship. She was on a women's retreat with the women of Church of the City-SH, where she has attended and served for the past 5 years, when God started planting the seed that her season of not dating could soon come to an end. He showed her that she had needed to deal with some past hurts of feeling rejected from the world of dating apps before she could enter into a healthy relationship. By walking in obedience of not dating, God was able to work in this area over several months and He provided healing. When she came back from the retreat, she shared her experience with Andrew and told him that the timeframe she had initially received from God was more about her obedience, not about the actual time. After much prayer, Kristen told him that she thought they should see where their friendship could progress. A week later, they had their first date.

Once they went on their first date, Andrew and Kristen realized that date could have very well been their last first date. They continued taking their walks and had more dates. Stronger feelings started to develop and there was talk about a "future", and what that would look like.

Approximately a month after they became exclusive, Kristen sadly lost her mother to a very difficult battle with cancer. While she knew the day was going to come eventually, the day it happened caught Kristen completely off-guard. Andrew stepped in and was by her side for whatever she needed. When she had to travel for the funeral, he took care of things for her at home. Andrew showed Kristen his feelings for her, which is her love language- acts of service. Kristen realized that she had fallen in love with Andrew, and a few weeks later, he shared the same sentiment.

Andrew's sons were in town visiting for Thanksgiving, and one of the first questions they asked Kristen was, "Do you love our dad?" Then they asked, "Are you going to marry my dad?" By Christmas, Kristen and Andrew had the approval of all 3 boys for them to get married.

Andrew and Kristen knew this was a special relationship that could have only been orchestrated by God. They had started going to church together and growing their spiritual lives together as well. Their relationship started with a firm foundation of friendship and faith, then organically grew into a deeper love for each other.

They knew they were going to get married, but Andrew had to "officially" propose. Kristen had told Andrew that she wanted to be surprised by the proposal, and he told her that he would do it when she least expected it. Kristen has maybe a slightly unhealthy relationship with Chick-Fil-A...lol. Andrew had planned to propose at Chick-Fil-A on the night of an event at church because Kristen always eats Chick-Fil-A on Tuesday nights, when she attends/serves at Celebrate Recovery at Church of the City- Spring Hill. February 6th was the 6-year anniversary celebration for Celebrate Recovery at COTC-SH, and dinner was going to be served at the celebration. Kristen would not be going to Chick-Fil-A this night, like Andrew had planned! Celebrate Recovery is one of the most important things in Kristen's life, and she serves on the leadership team, helping others find healing for their hurts, hangups, and habits. Andrew decided to propose at the celebration, where Kristen would be surrounded by her CR family! He brought Chick-Fil-A to her :)

Andrew went to Chick-Fil-A and bought a drink so he could give her a receipt with the date on it- and he wrote on the receipt, "Will you marry me, Kristen?". He taped her ring to the top of the lid of the cup. She was so surprised! Apparently, they made history- being both the first proposal at a CR meeting AND the first proposal at Church of the City- SH! The proposal was perfect.

Nearly every day Kristen and Andrew are in awe of how God brought them together. They had worked really hard on themselves after their divorces to prepare for a future forever relationship. They truly are best friends and can't wait to start this next chapter together. While they are planning their wedding, they are preparing Kristen and Elliott's home to move 3 more people into the mix. It's going to be a full house for a while with 2 adults, 3 kids (part of the year), and 2 dogs! Andrew will finish out his lease in his apartment and will get fully moved into the house the week after their wedding.

Neither one of them want the planning process to be super stressful, so they are taking their time and keeping details pretty simple, but making sure their day is very special. They are attending pre-marital counseling through Church of the City's marriage mentor program, and they were matched with an amazing couple to walk this journey with them.

Both of them have hearts for serving others. They look forward to how God is going to use them together for His glory.

Not only are Kristen and Andrew entering into a new marriage, they are starting a new family. There will be adjustments, but everyone is excited about the new beginning...

Montgomery, party of 5!