Bride's Story

Charlie and I met in the summer of 2002 at a going away part for a mutual friend. Right away, I saw in Charlie many admirable qualities, but with 700 miles between us, I didn't even know if we would ever see each other again. Nevertheless, two years later, on a trip to Missouri, we got together again. That trip gave us more time together and opened up the chance for another meeting three months later. That visit in October 2004 was a real turning point for me. We were able to spend a lot more time together and talk about things. Suddenly, I saw the man that I could see spending forever with - the man I had prayed so many years for! However, I was very unsure about his feelings. Over the next few months, we had some contact through letters. Then, in February 2005, I got up enough courage to call him. We began dating March 4, 2005.

I have found the kindest, sweetest, and most wonderful man. Charlie truly completes me and I am happier than I ever thought possible.

Carrying on a courtship over 700 miles has definitely had its challenges. First of all, we decided that for the most part, flying back and forth was the most practical means of travel. We both actually love to fly. That was great but we also had to figure in the financial aspect of the matter. We decided that our visits needed to be reasonable, working out to about once a month. Emotionally, that can be quite the challenge, but with the support of each other and the strength from Jehovah, we made it work.

Charlie and I have become so close over the months and we know from experience that distance does truly make the heart grow fonder. I have learned more than anything that every moment together is special - never take it for granted! Through the many trips back and forth, we have made many new friends and many memories as well. Yes, I have started a journey, an adventure, and there is no one else in the entire world I would rather take it with.

Groom's Story

As Megan said, I met her at a going away party. I never thought when I went to Pennsylvania that I would meet the love of my life. We danced at the party and got to know each other a little bit there. Surprisingly, the next night I think it was, I went with a group of friends and Megan met up with us there. We saw Minority Report and then went to T. G. I. Friday's afterwards. We got to know each other a little bit then. Her admirable qualities immediately shined through on those first two occasions. You could just tell that she was a loving, caring person. I was also impressed with her spiritual qualities and how she handled herself.

After that, I really did not think much more of that occasion. You meet so many people in life for brief moments, most of which you never meet up with again. That's what I thought that time was going to be. However, two years later, she shows up on my door step in Missouri for a visit. We got to spend a lot more time together and talk a lot more. I immediately recognized being in the presence of a great person. You could just see her love of life and for people. Never would I have imagined her being my future wife. While I was sitting in meeting next to her, I was shocked to realize the feeling that I wish she was there next to me all of the time. Being the shy and reserved person that I am, I never pursued anything.

I was surprised when she came back for a visit again 3 months later. We got to spend a lot more time together that time. We basically did the dating dance, finding out the likes and dislikes of each other. When she left that time, my mom even brought up what a great person she is and I should ask her out. Well, I could not foresee anytime in the future when we would be getting together again. Several months later, I received a package in the mail of a CD Megan thought I would like, along with one of her famous book-style cards. :) I reciprocated by writing back my own book. Shortly afterwards, I received a text message from her on February 18th. Text messaging soon turned into long phone conversations. It readily became apparent that we enjoyed each others company a lot. Then on March 4th, after a very long 5 hour conversation on the phone, we sort of asked each other out at the same time.

The last 11 months have been the best of my life. We have enjoyed so much together. We have made many wonderful, new friends together and had many great experiences. People tell me my life is almost a third of the way over, but for me, it has just begun.