Be sure to check out the 'Timeline' page for pictures that correspond with key moments!

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Monica and Joel's story began at Passion City Church. Joel had been attending for seven years when his friend Carlton invited him to an event called Single Minded, a connect group for young professionals. Though Joel hesitated, he showed up at Single Minded for the first time! By chance (or not, thank you Jesus), the large group numbered off into 12 small discussion circles, and guess what? Joel and Monica landed in the same circle!

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Monica had been attending Passion City Church since the summer of 2023. She got involved in the Single Minded community shortly after, faithfully pouring into others and building new friendships. Months later, on March 12, 2024, she found herself in the same group as Joel. He facilitated the discussion with kindness, reflection, and thoughtful questions - something that stood out deeply to Monica as a therapist. Monica felt relief not having to lead the group that week and was impressed with Joel's natural ability to carry the discussion. When she hadn't yet spoken, Joel gently invited her to share, saying, "Monica, what about you?" His intentionality, his leadership, and his warmth made an impression that stuck with her.

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They didn't talk afterward, but Joel also remembered her. He replied to her story on Instagram, casually asking about a hiking trail in Sandy Springs. They chatted briefly, but nothing major came of it at the time. Over the next couple of months, Monica noticed Joel at church a few times, usually from a distance in the crowd. One Sunday, Mother's Day, she spotted him with his mom and Grandma Joyce, who was visiting from Ohio. That simple moment stood out to her; she admired the way he was so present with the women in his life.

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It was on Saturday, June 22, in a large gathering of friends on Lake Lanier hosted by Joel's friend Graham, that Joel and Monica naturally reconnected! Monica was there with her roommate Rebecca, and Joel was helping with event logistics. Joel was walking out toward the lake when he noticed Monica. He was instantly attracted to her, remembered meeting her at Single Minded, and called out, "Monica, is that you?" They hugged, and moments later, they ended up on a pontoon boat driven by Joel's friend Sam. During the boat ride, Joel asked about things Monica had mentioned over three months earlier in the discussion circle - potential shifts in her career, her goals, and her personal growth. She was surprised that he remembered this conversation! It was thoughtful, and it stood out to her.

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The boat was beached on a small island, and the two talked alone for over 30 minutes, separated from the rest of the group. They laughed, talked about life and their recent dating experiences, and began to sense something was different. Both Monica and Joel had been on other dates recently, which made the situation feel more like friendship - with less pressure. Throughout the day, their paths kept crossing again - volleyball, the pool, and back to swimming in the lake. Toward the end of the day, Monica challenged Joel to a sprint race, which became one of their early playful memories!

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As everything wrapped up, Joel was helping tear down the event. Monica noticed how thoughtful and servant hearted he was. As she was leaving, Joel stepped away from another group of people and approached her. He told her how much he enjoyed their conversations and wanted to see her again. He promised to send a message on Instagram to get her phone number. That night, he did just that!

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The next day, they saw each other at church near the coffee stand. Monica felt a spark when she noticed him talking with others and wondered if he'd come say hi. He did. Truthfully, Joel wanted to talk with Monica but was delaying the approach. They chatted briefly, and she left smiling, feeling a pull toward him she couldn't quite explain. Joel was also secretly pumped, and he texted Monica Monday morning.

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They immediately made plans, and Monday night, their first date happened - Bartaco in Buckhead. Joel picked her up around 7 p.m. They sat next to each other on the patio outside, under twinkling lights and two large towering trees, talking for hours until the restaurant closed at 11 p.m. Turns out Joel picked the perfect restaurant. The trees and the outdoors helped Monica settle in and enjoy the date! They even shared their first kiss. It was effortless. Monica went home and told her roommate how different it was - the most joy and peace she had felt after a date.

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That Friday, they met up for an afternoon walk in Sandy Springs. Apparently, it was another good date, because later that night at a birthday party, Joel's friend Laura noticed something different about his energy - he seemed lighter and happier than usual! The next day, Saturday, Monica and Joel ended up spending the entire day together - a full day adventure in Suwanee including an eight-mile walk, an afternoon at the pool, pizza for dinner, and a sunset cruise with park views. Their connection deepened quickly and naturally!

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On Monday, July 1, 2024, Joel officially asked Monica to be his girlfriend after an evening date on the rooftop of Tequila Mama Taqueria in Buford. She knew just three weeks later that he was the one she would marry. She journaled about the peace and gratitude she felt in the relationship. Joel also took notes and was already picturing Monica in his life forever.

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As they got to know each other, Monica and Joel discovered they both had deep roots in Ohio. Both sets of parents were born and raised there! It was another easy point of connection that made their lives feel intertwined all along. Joel found himself accidentally slipping in "love you" at the end of their long phone conversations (it happened twice!). It was during a friend's wedding weekend that Joel told Monica he loved her - the first time those words were spoken intentionally. About a week later, she said it back, sitting by the fireplace at Joel's home.

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Joel and Monica spent many weekends together - hiking in North Georgia, exploring small towns, cooking breakfast and dinner, and doing life in the church community. During the week, in the evenings, they would talk on the phone for hours. Monica felt seen, loved, and secure. Joel admired Monica for her joy, patience, and deep love for others.

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As their relationship grew, both began to see God's fingerprints everywhere. One particularly meaningful date stands out - November 30th. On that day in 2023, Monica surrendered her life to Christ - a spiritual birthday that coincides with Larry's birthday (Joel's father), Wendy Holley's birthday (Rebecca's mother), and their friend Kelly Bennett's birthday. The connection of those dates felt like God's quiet reminder that He had been orchestrating this long before they met. That shared sense of divine timing deepened their faith and brought more reverence to their developing love story.

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On June 14, 2025, Joel proposed in Dahlonega, at a garden surrounded by flowers, candles, and a heart made of rose petals beneath a towering tree. Joel knelt in the center of the heart and asked Monica to marry him. Monica's brother and best friend Rebecca were there to witness it! Joel and Monica spent the afternoon at Montaluce Winery, enjoying a wine hike and charcuterie board. Then they hustled back to Atlanta, where Joel surprised her with an engagement party at Bartaco, where their relationship had kicked off with that magical first date.

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Monica and Joel's story is one of faith, patience, and divine timing, with God's hand throughout - from the invitation to Single Minded to the Saturday at Lake Lanier. The prayers and support of many friends and family aligned their hearts for each other.

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They'll be married on May 2, 2026, at Vineyard at High Holly in North Carolina, surrounded by mountains they've enjoyed since the beginning. For Joel, peace came easily the moment he saw the venue. After months of searching, they returned there, and Monica agreed it was the right place. Monica has always dreamed of a spring wedding - symbolizing new life, growth, and beauty.

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Joel and Monica experienced both high and low seasons separately, while committed to personal growth, before finding one another. They have come to understand that only through Jesus Christ will they find complete fulfillment - and their love will continue to flourish with Him at the center. Today, they walk together in gratitude, knowing their relationship reflects God's power, provision, and purpose. Their love story will continue in 2026 with joy, faith, and the promise of forever.

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