“I got the radio up
Sun is going down
I’ll take a left at the bank
And I’ll head straight through town
So baby put on that dress
A little sweet perfume
’Cause I’m on my way to you”

— Cody Johnson

One Morning Last Summer…

Dana received a call from her friend, Robin. During the conversation Robin asked if Dana was currently seeing anyone because she had someone she wanted Dana to meet. His name was Michael and he was the brother of the man she was dating. They talked about “stalking” Michael’s Facebook page and Dana was intrigued. He seemed interesting. He was attractive. And he appeared to have a close relationship to his children. Dana told Robin that he was “cute” and left it at that.

The next morning Dana had a hair appointment with Robin. They did not discuss Michael at all, however Robin invited her to her birthday party that weekend. Dana wasn’t sure if she would attend, but on Saturday she decided to get out of the house. She went to a local favorite shop, Spice Village, and ended up buying a gift for Robin and then sent her a message saying she would be attending the party.

Meanwhile, Michael’s brother was talking to him about “some girl” they wanted him to meet. Michael wasn’t interested in dating at the time and just brushed it off. He was currently wrestling with God at this point in his life over failed relationships and the direction his life had turned. He pretty much decided he was going to remain single for awhile.

Saturday night arrived and Dana arrived at 1424 Bistro in downtown Waco. As she entered the room she immediately greeted Robin and wished her a happy birthday. Robin introduced Dana to the other guests - including Michael. Michael did not know Dana was “the girl” they wanted him to meet. However, Dana knew thanks to the Facebook stalking! During the party Dana took the opportunity to check him out over dinner. He was funny, polite and a true gentleman that night. When the party concluded, she was a little disappointed, but very much interested.

Later the following week, Michael was informed that Dana was “the girl.” Micheal sent her a Facebook friend request and they began chatting via Messenger so Dana must have made a good impression on him as well. They soon began talking on the phone. During one of the early conversations Michael mentioned that he had been struggling with God and he quoted a scripture. Dana responded without hesitation - New Testament: James 1:2-4. At that point, Michael realized he found someone that desired to chase God just as passionately as he wanted to. That call went way into the night and they never got tired of learning about each other.

After many phone calls and late night chats, Dana told Michael that he needed to take her to dinner. They decided to have dinner at PF Chang’s in Waco. The food was great, but the conversation was amazing! They had so much in common! After dinner they went to Dana’s house and spent the entire evening sitting on the living room sofa talking about anything and everything.

October 15, 2019…

Michael and Dana had one of the most profound conversations either had ever experienced. They were talking about life, future hopes and dreams, and what they wanted out of their newfound love. They shared past hurts, failures, and disappointments. The conversation was kind, loving, raw, and honest. This conversation went on throughout the night and in the early morning hours they committed to one another that they would forever promise to love and honor each other. In many ways it was their own private wedding ceremony as they both walked away feeling like they were already married. It will forever be a memory etched in their minds with no proof other than the marks it left on their hearts.

A little over a month later on November 28, 2019 Michael officially proposed to Dana. It was a tender moment with lots of tears of joy. Of course Dana said, “YES!” and she was given a stunning engagement ring from Boozer’s Jewelers in Waco as a sweet reminder of the promise they made to each other that night.

As they continued on their journey together, they purchased 38 acres of land in Lorena where they will be building their future home together. They spend many evenings out there watching the sun set over the horizon. They celebrate with champagne, dancing to their favorite playlists in the coastal fields, watching the cows and horses graze, taking photos of wildflowers that they will print and frame to adorn the wall of their new home together.

July 4, 2020…

The Fourth of July was a very hot day in Satin, Texas where Dana and Michael would exchange vows in front of their family and a few close friends at Moon River Ranch. The venue was absolutely picture perfect! The wedding was so special with all their thoughtful touches to make the entire evening about their strong relationship surrounded by the love of God and the love of their family. Many happy tears were shed, as well as lots of shared laughter.

Their pastor officiated the ceremony. Their counselor led them through braiding the three stands. Their parents sat in the front row fully supporting the union. Their children surrounded them as they were the bridal party. The ring pillow was made by Michael’s mother. Michael wore his grandfather’s bolo tie. Dana had her grandmother’s broach fastened to her bouquet. Sparklers sent the newlyweds off. Flags were waved for their love of America. But perhaps the most moving part of the entire ceremony was when the DJ played a song Michael’s daughter sang, the cover to Ocean Eyes. She could not be in attendance due to COVID travel restrictions. For that entire song, everyone just listened.

Their wedding is truly one to be remembered.