Jared's Version:

To me, Margaret is the beauty of all the earth. She is the woman above all women! There is no one apart from Jesus Himself that I am more amazed with. She is a treasure to enjoy, a beauty to behold, a masterpiece to cherish, and a love worth fighting for.

Margaret is my beautiful sunflower in a green field. She is bright and radiant. She stands out among all others. She is precious and delicate. It is my life’s honor to love, protect, cherish, and enjoy her. This woman makes me come alive! She's a vessel of God to me unlike any other. I'm so excited for her to be mine and me to be hers.

I asked Margaret out on December 7th, 2024, as I was headed to Houston for my grandpa’s 90th birthday. We didn’t really know each other at that point. We had had a few run-ins at social settings over the past 9 years, but there was never a conversation longer than a few minutes. A few weeks before the birthday party, one of my best men (Michael Chase) told me I should ask Margaret out. My honest response was something along the lines of “bro what?? I don’t even know her. No way.” His response, “whatever dude, she’s amazing and way out of your league anyway." SEED PLANTED. I’m convinced that was God working through Michael.

Two weeks later, I had this feeling that I would be seriously missing out if I didn't ask her out. A rare feeling for me. Fear and religion had a few fighting words to say, but my inner man knew I had to go for it. After a few friends hyped me up, I found the courage to call.

Who calls to ask someone on a date at 8 PM on a Friday? This guy🙋🏼‍♂️! She didn’t answer. The next day, she calls back, assuming I am looking to be funded for some ministry campaign. Ha, not quite! I still remember the moment she called. I remember thinking “what if I pretended I never called?” It’s crazy to think about the blessings you won't experience from giving into fear. I’m happy to say I answered the call, asked her on a date, and she said yes!

Our first date was December 28th, 2024. It was wonderful (for me—Jared). I knew from the beginning this woman was different. Our second date was supposed to be a one mile walk…it turned into eight. It was a great sign for both of us. Dating was slow at the beginning. Life was full for the both of us. We were okay with that. As time went on, little moments grew our confidence and desire in each other.

Our dating experience was raw, real, fun, thrilling, and occasionally emotional haha—it was an adventure. With every good adventure, there were obstacles, fears to overcome, and battles to fight. Some say a good story is one of ease. I disagree, every good story has trials that are met with triumph. THAT IS OUR STORY. And it still is. Margaret and I are conquerors, together.

Overtime, Margaret and I saw that we can conquer the world with our faith, together (1 John 5:4). We became dear friends. Best friends. We realized how desirous we were to fight for each other’s hearts. We fell in love.

One of my favorite moments with Margaret was after a long walk together in my not so walkable neighborhood. By the end of the walk, God had given me a word (a mantra) for her and I. I told her and she loved it. We proceeded to lay on my driveway, stare at the about two and a half stars visible to Houstonains, and repeat it again and again and again. The mantra: “we are going to connect in a way that changes the world, I (Jared) am going to treasure you in a way that changes the world, and I (Margaret) am going to trust you in a way that changes the world.”

It was confirmed then what I had been sensing since May 2025, I wanted to marry Margaret.

During the Thanksgiving of ’25, when the dust of the chaos of life had settled, her vision became clear: I was the man for her.

Not much longer after that (Feb. 7th, 2026), I proposed in College Station! Margaret was totally in shock 😆. She says "it was the perfect proposal and that she wouldn’t change a thing.” I was just happy she said yes!

As we approach marriage, we continue to fall more and more in love. Our excitement to do life together is through the roof! We know how strong and powerful we will be together. With humility, we KNOW God is going to use us to change the world. He already is. Thank you God! We are laughing more than ever, cooking good food, working out, dancing, and having so much fun. We so look forward to being forever roommates and best friends. We can’t wait to build a family, leave a lasting legacy, and keep loving whoever God puts around us. We are on the great adventure. We are running in the fields. We are free and alive. We have peace. Our life is amazing

Thank you, God! All praise and glory to Him. Thank you God for our story—it’s a great one. Thank you (friends and family) for being an integral part of it. We love you.

Jared and Margaret