Our Story
How it all began:
Elizabeth:
“He has this wonder and awe for life.”
Archer:
“We will build a dynasty.”
Archer asked her out the unglamorous modern way: a dating app. Elizabeth’s godmother called Archer “the man from Ebay.” They arranged a date in a record of one message each.
On August 20, 2024, Archer picked up Elizabeth with flowers. She asked if he minded if she left her phone behind, and so the fairytale began. At dinner, they described their vision for their futures, and learned their attraction went beyond their favorite activities. They shared a calling to create a family with a 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.”
First Impressions
Elizabeth:
“full of life” “loves hard work” “I never met anyone like him”
Archer:
“one fancy lady” “disarmingly friendly” “she thinks big picture”
Most ridiculous date?
Elizabeth:
Archer invited Elizabeth to go sailing for their third date not knowing her family’s background of international racing. Naturally she helped them evade a perilous situation. He was impressed.
After sailing, Archer suggested they swim in the ocean and then a playground-style running race. Little did he know, this is one of her two criteria for her future husband: 40 yard dash time. If he lost the race, he’d lose her…
Archer:
Elizabeth’s birthday weekend two weeks after meeting. He made it to a family dinner, her birthday twin teammates party, and best of all the sailing adventure on her family boat to Catalina Island with nine friends.
The moment Archer sensed he was in love is when Elizabeth put on a burgendy wetsuit, strapped a knife to her ankle, dove into the sea with spear gun in hand, and came up with their lunch. He could not believe this wonder woman in front of his eyes.
Total opposites?
Archer’s family live all over the world. Elizabeth’s family live within 20 miles of each other.
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!” Mortified she profusely apologized.
He laughed and said he knew what she meant.
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 dove from her friend’s boat and swam to his sailboat. As they sailed around the other boat, her friends shouted in unison “love you, bye!” They heard lots of laughter.
That night, all of Elizabeth’s fears were silenced when Archer was saying goodnight after hosting 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 full of inside jokes. It ended: “Of all the things we both want to do, The first, for me, is to say: ‘I love you.’”
What we are known for?
Depends who you ask:
Her family:
“Archer is perfect for Elizabeth.” // “we thought nobody would have enough energy to keep up with her.” // “we called her the energizer bunny.”
His family:
“they talk so fast— we can’t get a word in edgewise” // “they bring out the best in each other.” // “we called him the energizer bunny too.”
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 💗"
First Serious Plans
On Valentines Day, they wrapped up their final “life story date,” which is just as it sounds: an ongoing series of dates where they shared their life stories chronologically. Archer said, “I want to build a life with you.” Elizabeth wholeheartedly agreed.
Better cook?
Elizabeth. An aspiring HWIT (house wife in training). Thankfully, Archer loves doing dishes.
A life goal of ours?
Win the “over 80” age group in athletic competitions.
The dorkiest thing about us?
Wrong couple. We are athletes! Jokes aside, we read the Bible everyday.
The Proposal:
Archer masterfully pivoted plans and gave Elizabeth her dream proposal: on a boat, at sea, and personal. Easter was her next free day, but he knew she would want to be at church. So, he convinced her he wanted to lead an Easter service. She trusted him and it turned into Archer on his knee with a red velvet box to which Elizabeth said,
“Easiest YES of my life!”
And Archer replied, “I want to ask you first.”
He gave a speech from his heart. She laughed and kissed him, and he kissed her back. They changed into swimsuits and jumped off the bow together, thankfully the ring stayed on.
Why us?
We are building a life together on the rock: Jesus & the Holy Spirit. Meeting each other at just the right time 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… and that God gave him an angel… and that there is nothing left to desire… and lots to celebrate!
Please join us on December 30th!
