Our Story

How it all began:

Elizabeth: “He has this wonder and awe for life.”

Archer: “We will build a dynasty.”

He asked her out the unglamorous modern way: on a dating app. Attraction was immediate, communication was characteristically direct, and they arranged a date in one message each. Then they bonded over love of the ocean, sports, and summertime. On August 20, 2024, Archer picked up Elizabeth with flowers. At dinner, they established a vision for their futures, and learned that their attraction went far beyond their favorite activities. They shared a calling to create a family culture of service. He remembers two Elizabeth quotations: “only the best get to date my brother. I am trying to build a dynasty here.” And, “the game is over, we already won. We are already going to Heaven, now it is our job to usher in God’s kingdom on earth.” After dinner, they brought home fresh berries, maple syrup, and heavy cream to make dessert. Upon opening the blueberries, they erupted all over the floor. Without missing a beat, Elizabeth picked them up and even ate a few. Archer loved her no shame approach to life. Elizabeth loved a specific moment as well. They were kissing and she shared that she is waiting for marriage. Unfazed, he replied, “that is more fun.” She loves his confident, can do attitude.

First Impressions

Elizabeth: “full of life” “loves hard work” “never met anyone like him”

Archer: “one fancy lady” “disarmingly friendly” “she thinks big picture”

First Nerves

Four weeks in, Archer was helping Elizabeth prepare hors de vours for a friend’s birthday party. As they were parting ways, Elizabeth said, “love you, bye.” She went to that party mortified. She shared with her friends, who confirmed the faux pas. As she was hoping she didn’t ruin everything, Archer sent her a message that he and his friend would sail by their party. As they got close, Elizabeth jumped off her friend’s boat and swam to his sailboat. As the three sailed around the other boat, her friends called out “love you, bye!” They heard lots of laughter. That night, all of Elizabeth’s fears were silenced when Archer was saying goodnight after he threw a dinner party. He said, “you do not need to answer now, but will you be my girlfriend?” Elizabeth needed no time.

First “I love you”

On September 27, 2024 Archer wrote Elizabeth a beautiful poem ending with: ‘Of all the things we both want to do, The first, for me, is to say: “I love you.”

First Serious Plans

On Valentines Day, Archer said, “I want to build a life with you.” Elizabeth liked the sound of that.

Most ridiculous date?

Her: On their second date, Archer took Elizabeth sailing, and swimming, and sprinting. She loved the time in the ocean and on the beach.

Him: A big gust swept their boat towards a big, fancy boat. Elizabeth took the tiller from Archer, and righted their boat. That taught him that she was, in fact, taking him sailing. He was impressed by her seamanship.

After sailing, they ran a sprint race, which was close. Elizabeth announced a tie. He knew he won, but he went along with the “tie” to be polite. A week later, she told her friends she was so happy Archer won, because her man had to be faster.

Total Opposites?

Archer’s family live all over the world. Elizabeth’s family all live within 20 miles of each other.

Better Cook?

Elizabeth. An aspiring HWIT (house wife in training). Thankfully, Archer loves doing dishes.

What we are known for?

Depends who you ask:

Her family: “you two are perfect for each other!” // “we always wondered who would have enough energy to keep up with Elizabeth.”

His family: “they talk so fast— we can’t get a word in edgewise” // “they bring out the best in each other.”

Her friends: “do you guys even fight? You’re like a 1990s perfect couple!” // “the most compatible couple to ever exist 😍” // “who is this guy that landed Elizabeth?”

His friends: “I knew she was cool after we went surfing and we snuck into a random hot tub, and we skinny dipped” // “Always up for an exuberant adventure together, a sailboat snooze, and everything in between 💗"

The Proposal:

Archer planned to ask Elizabeth the easy way: at a soccer game, where there would be photographers and an audience. He planned it out with her friends and family and wrote a speech of three jokes that would embarrass her the perfect amount. However, a player on another team received this experience and it became so wild and chaotic that Elizabeth told her friends, “I do not want to have my proposal at a game.” Elizabeth’s friend Sarah politely notified Archer that Elizabeth’s dream proposal is on a boat.

Archer knew what to do, but her only free day coming up was Easter, and he knew she would be at church. So, he planned a wonderful Easter service at sea, with candles, hymns, verses, communion, and his friend Trey. All this afforded him cover to take her by surprise.

Post service it was an absolutely stunning morning - no wind, blue skies, and gentle swell. Elizabeth was napping in the cockpit and Archer suggested a picture. She said, “let’s do it laying in the cockpit.” He said, “come on, up you go!” They stood at the stern. A gentle wave rocked the boat. As Elizabeth regained her balance, Archer was on his knee with a red velvet box opened. Elizabeth said, “the easiest YES of my life!” Archer said, “I want to ask you first.” She laughed, she kissed him, then they changed into swim suits and jumped off the bow of the boat together.

Why us?

We are building a life together on the rock, Jesus. The way God brought us together at just the right time and in just the right way is nothing short of a miracle. Elizabeth says Archer leans in, he courageously speaks truth with a deep love that grounds her. Archer says Elizabeth is home. They are praying for the privilege to give to the world by making lots of babies and having lots of fun as they help usher in Gods Kingdom :)