Chicken Scratch and Christ: How It All Started

Two beautiful people are getting married at Chapel Creek Ranch today and we have been anxiously waiting to share their sweet story with you! Casey has graciously taken time to write out out some of the sweetest details of her and Brian's relationship, and let us tell you, it's giving us all the feels today. You might want to grab a box of tissues before you continue reading... Enjoy!  

​"On May 3, 2015, the church we were both attending (Watermark Church in Dallas) had a huge celebration where hundreds of people proclaimed their love and understanding of Christ, who He is and what He did for us on the Cross. It was there that Brian and I's paths crossed for the first time. It was that day, that my life would change forever. Immediately I thought Brian was insanely handsome and funny. I was shy but honestly couldn't stop looking his way. We didn't really talk much after our initial introduction but I saw him again at a pool party that a group of us went to after church. I sat timidly on the side of the pool with my feet in the water as I watched everyone play water volleyball. I remember Brian and some others telling me I should jump in and play but I was trying to "play cool". Eventually the party got shut down by the police because there was too many people there, so Brian invited a few of us back to his apartment to hang out. At this point in the day I was getting butterflies just being around him and would notice him catching glimpses of me and smiling. After we hung out at his pool for awhile we all went to dinner at Chicken Scratch in Dallas. We became Facebook friends then. And I remember him going through almost all my photos right there and "liking" each and every one of them, so I returned the favor. The flirting continued for a few weeks after that and then I asked if he wanted to go to the zoo with 2 other friends and the girls I was nannying at the time. May 22nd came around and he was so excited, he even took off of work to spend the day at the zoo with me. I was so anxious and excited and seeing him with the kids made me fall for him even more. That night we were planning to go out with the same group from church. I knew he was into photo/video and at the time I was exploring my interest in photography. I wanted an excuse to spend some time with just him before we went out that night so I asked if he could teach me how to use an editing software. He invited me over, I didn't pay attention to anything he was telling me, and then he asked me out to dinner. That was our first "unofficial" date. He took me to Fireside Pies (SO GOOD) and then we went to hang out with the rest of the group. 

We had our first kiss just 4 days after on May 26th, and on June 3rd, as we sat at Bahama Bucks, he asked me to be his girlfriend. By June 9th he told me he loved me but I wasn't ready quite yet to say it back. I have had my heart broken too many times and Bri seemed too good to be true. I knew I was about to leave to go back home to Arizona for 2 weeks so even though I knew I loved him, I didn't want to tell him until I got back. I didn't know if it would be too soon and I was terrified that he might not be here when I got back. Luckily for me, he was. Throughout those 2 weeks he had sent me post cards, love letters, and even made a countdown the 2 days leading up to me coming home. Once I arrived, he was there...waiting at the baggage claim holding a dozen roses and a box of macarons and leaving me feeling more loved than I had ever been before. Our times together from there were fun. We would frequent Six Flags, play board games, cards, watch movies, cook together, shop together, laugh and cry together, take road trips, we were on game shows and won a car together, we've served together, and built relationships with others together, and most importantly we've used the time that we have been given together to learn more about each other and grow as a couple. 

Throughout our relationship, we had always talked about marriage and what that looked like and means for each of us. We had completed a pre-marital class at the church early on in our relationship but times for us weren't always easy. Like most couples, there were a couple of things that we both needed to process and pray through. The more time went on, the more I was reassured that I can't live life based off of "what if's", or let other people's judgements be a reflection of who I really am and what I stand for. During that time, God grew me. I learned what unconditional love really looks like and how significant it is. I learned how to forgive and how to love with every little bit of myself. I knew in my heart that Bri was by far one of the most Godly men I had ever met. He pursues Christ in ways that are so rare to see. He's a leader. He's incredibly supportive of my decision to save myself for marriage. He prays for me and with me daily. He shows me love in ways I've never been shown love. He buys me flowers on the same day every month, surprises me with little gifts "just because", he fills up my gas, opens every door, rubs my back, holds me when I'm sad, rejoices with me when I'm happy, and SO much more. Everything about him is everything I have ever wanted in a husband. I'm thankful for the trials I endured before knowing B, for the trials B endured before meeting me, and I'm just as thankful for the trials we've endured together. Without those, our lives may look a whole lot different.

On June 16, 2017 (my grandparent's 55th wedding anniversary), Brian got down on one knee and I said the easiest "yes" I've ever said. I knew it was coming. But never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined just how magical that night would be. He called me early that morning and told me I'd be picked up and to be ready by 8:15pm. 8:15pm on the dot. A super stretch limo pulls up in front of my house. Waterworks. I'm nervous, shaking, excited, anxious, giddy, a little scared, and SO thankful. As I am sitting in the limo by myself I pulled up the 2 year anniversary video he made me and watched that, sobbing again. I try to soak up the moment and really use that time to thank Jesus for the gift that he's given me, the lessons He's taught me, and the future that lays ahead of me. The limo pulls up to this building on the lake. I see Jason, Brian's AWESOME boss, standing there holding a camera and shooting away as I step out of the limo. He tells me where to go and I walk down the side of the building out to the back and down this long walkway which is lined with candles and a few pictures of us. I hear "Marry Me" by Train playing and there stands my handsome man surrounded by roses, looking back at me with the biggest smile I've ever seen. The minutes following were straight from a fairy tale and to be completely honest, I don't remember much of what was said. I kept saying "yes" before he could even finish asking. I cried some more, we kissed, we danced, drank champagne, and then, fireworks. Literally. A firework show was being displayed just over the horizon.  It was the perfect scene that felt like it was straight out of an episode of "The Bachelor Finale" (A show Bri and I love watching together). After we left he took me back to where we had out first "unofficial" date (remember that from earlier?!), Fireside Pies. We had the restaurant to ourselves (unplanned) and soaked up every minute. Everything that has happened in the past couple months, has truly been amazing. We have been able to see Christ's hand in our lives and in this season of engagement. We can feel His presence and have been reminded of how great and mighty He really is. Pieces have fallen into place and it's been the greatest blessing to be right in the middle of it all. 

​Brian and I are so thankful for all of our family and friends and for all the love and support that have been poured out to us. Thank you to those who have prayed with and for us and who have stood beside us regardless of past circumstances. We cannot wait to get married and we hope you all can be there to help us celebrate what God has done in our lives!!"

Make sure to stay tuned for their wedding pictures on the blog soon. We are so happy for Casey and Brian, and overjoyed for them as they continue their lives together as husband and wife. Lets all join in in sending them the biggest congratulations! Thank you for being a part of the Chapel Creek Ranch family, Casey and Brian! 
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​Are you a previous Chapel Creek Ranch bride? Have you just booked your wedding with us? Want to be featured on our blog? Please send your wedding or engagement pictures to courtney@chapelcreekranch.com along with your story and we'll make sure to feature you next!