Here's the scoop, girlies!
November 21st, 2015 an acquaintance I had always admired messaged me on Facebook with a photography question. Shocked and confused that this guy who I knew for a fact was very intentional about NOT flirting with girls was talking to me so casually, I answered his question politely and expected he'd end the messaging after some light chit-chat. But that didn't happen, and now 172 days later, we are pledged to be married. :) I plan on writing up our story soon, but for now, how about I answer some questions I know are coming!
Who IS this guy??
His name is Calvin and he lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area. He's 24, works building stills that recycle printing solvents, is exactly 12" taller than me, and is the youngest of 4 from a loving Christian home. I love his heart, his groove, and most of all his desire for living a godly life.
Does this mean you're moving??
Yes! I'm moving to Georgia!
How did y'all meet?
July 4th, 2013 we met at a party at my pastor's house. He has known a lot of my friends for a decade or more but since he lives in Georgia our paths never crossed (although I had heard lots about him!) until then. He doesn't remember meeting me, but I recall that he carried on a conversation with my dad for a long time while I stood there trying not to seem like I was listening. :P
When's the wedding?
Middle of August, 2016!
Did you guys court?
Yes, that's what we called it. We joke that we did a lot of things very differently than how you're "supposed" to, but our relationship has been exactly what our personalities needed to help us grow as individuals, as Christians, and, in God's timing, as a couple.
How did he propose?
I'll save that for "our story" :)
Are you making your wedding dress?
I don't know yet-- I've only been engaged 5 days! I'll keep y'all updated though. ;)
What's the future of Fresh Modesty now that you'll be a wife?
Calvin's totally on board with me continuing to blog! Y'all get to come through this crazy transition with me and I'm so excited to share my journey with my Fresh Modesty girls!
So there's my news. The Lord has richly blessed me and I am thankful.
Olivia, I am so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteTell us what you would say matters the most in a prospective husband! A lot of us aren't sure what to look for, since no one is perfect. I can't wait to watch you walk through this journey!
ReplyDeleteI know this question is for Olivia, but as a wife still in my first year of marriage to an amazing man, I thought I might throw in what I've found in case it's of any help.
DeleteThe most important thing? Seeing the fruit of the Spirit in him. "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control." Of course he won't have all of those in full, but you should see evidence of each of those qualities in his character. The desire to know and please Christ should dominate his life and goals. Everything else will fall into place. :)
Olivia I'm so happy for you seriously!! I seen your post on Instagram and I was like ecstatic! Man, I just can't believe it girl! I'm so happy for you I pray God blesses you guys in your relationship together!!
ReplyDeleteShelby K. Instagram modest page @more_than_rubies_modesty
Congratulations! So excited for you both! :-)
ReplyDelete-Alice Wright
www.whatsoever-lovely.blogspot.com
www.thewrightfamilyfarm.blogspot.com
What a surprise;) I'm SO happy for you!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteOlivia!!! I am so happy for you!! I can't wait to hear about wedding planning!
ReplyDeletecongratulations so happy for you
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you! I've been following Fresh Modesty for years and I'm so excited for this next phase of life for you! P.s. My most amazing husband doesn't remember our first meeting either, because he happened to be hurt and in a lot of pain at the time, but it all worked out! I had heard lots of good things, and even gotten to know some of his family before we officially (according to him) met, and it started with a Facebook message from him meant to encourage me in a ministry I was in at the time 😄
ReplyDeleteRae
Aw! You guys are too cute! Congrats!! :)
ReplyDeleteUnique Geek
Wow! That's the most exciting news I've heard all day!! (I basically shrieked at my computer. Ha!) CONGRATULATIONS! I am SO happy for you! :D
ReplyDelete~Miss Meg March
My response too! I was completely surprised because nothing had been said about it AT ALL! A wonderful surprise! Congrats!
DeleteWOW! Congratulations!! Wishing you God's blessing as you enter this new chapter in your lives. Looking forward to reading your story!
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord!!! So happy for you two, Olivia :)
ReplyDeleteDance A Real
Many congratulations - what wonderful news!
ReplyDeleteI hope that you will be both very happy in your lives together.
Blessings
Rebecca
Congratulations, Olivia! What wonderful news! :D
ReplyDelete~Schuyler
A hearty congratulations to the both of you! Maybe I can finally meet you some time as I also live (outside) Atlanta. Might I ask what area you'll be moving to? Or do you know yet? I'm outside the perimeter in Gwinnett county. So very excited for you!
ReplyDeleteLooks like we'll be county neighbors! We're looking to the east of you. :) If you'd like to email me, I'll be more specific! Blessings!
DeleteCongratulations! I know this is silly but please tell me modesty is important to him and you won't be changing?! Like I said I know I'm being silly,I've just had many of my friends change once they get married and I love when couples hold the standard of modesty. (Wich is so hard in this day and time)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's very important to him! His standards are a little different than I've had the last several years. Also, I'm moving from the country to a very warm city, so I have some figuring out to do as far as my own standards, his preferences, and practicality/ style. I don't intend to make a 180* from how I currently dress though. :)
DeleteThats awesome, Liv!
DeleteOh my goodness! CONGRATULATIONS, Olivia!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh! You're engaged! I'm so happy for you. Best wishes to you both!
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Sadie
Wow!!! Olivia I'm so excited for you! And so excited that you are going to continue to blog!!! I was worried for a second that you wouldn't continue blogging once you got married! Are you going to post updates about the wedding, wedding dress, etc?
ReplyDeleteYou to are a beautiful couple!
Blessings,
Sara
Also Olivia I know you are busy but would you ever consider doing a Q & A video with Calvin so the readers could get to know him a little better?
DeleteCongratulations Olivia!! So excited for you! I'm so glad you'll continue blogging too :) So thrilled!
ReplyDelete~Grace
I'm pretty sure he was in the ski video? I had a feeling he was a "special friend" to you. I'm so excited for you. Congratulations!
ReplyDelete-Brooke
What ski video? :)
DeleteOn their family website a few months ago. They recently made the blog private so we can't see it any longer. Sorry :(
Delete-Brooke
Oh ok! Thanks for the reply!
DeleteCongratulations to you Olivia! :)
ReplyDeleteSOOOOO exciting!!! Congratulations, Olivia! You must feel over the moon♥ So very happy for you! May the Lord bless y'all! Thank you for being an encouragement in waiting on the Lord's timing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Jazzmin
Congratulations!!!!!! May God abundantly bless you both and your life together!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Olivia!! So excited for you!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you both - a surprise post for sure :-) I got goosebumps reading it.
ReplyDeleteThat's great! Congratulations! :D
ReplyDelete~Lydia~ <3
So happy for you Olivia!! ^_^
ReplyDeleteOh how wonderful and exciting!!! I'm so very happy for you, Olivia :)
ReplyDeleteOH! Congratulations!!!
ReplyDelete-Mic
That's great, Olivia! I'm really happy for you. I bet ya'll have a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteTara
Congratulations, Olivia! I'm looking forward to reading your story!
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I've commented before, but I've been enjoying your blog for several years now. :)
Congratulations! How exciting!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Olivia! What wonderfully exciting news!
ReplyDeleteOh. My. Goodness. CONGRATULATIONS, Olivia!!!! I'm soooo excited and happy for you!!! You are such a beautiful woman and I've always enjoyed reading your blog. I'm so glad you'll continue posting!! I'll keep you in my prayers as you begin this new journey! <3
ReplyDeleteYippeee! I knew something was up due to the silence around here. I did the same thing and kept my relationship online silent until engagement. Yeah for August weddings!! I was married last August. I'm praying for you as you enter this new stage of life. Marriage to your best friend is like the sleepover that never ends! Blessings to you both!
ReplyDeleteOh mah word. Totally did not see that coming but totally okay with it:) Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you and Calvin!
ReplyDeleteMerry D.
Oh and P.S- my husband is also a foot taller than me. Word of advice here: start strengthening your ankles now so that by the time the wedding day comes around your calves and ankles will be all prepared to be up on tip toe a LOT to kiss your new husband! Haha, you laugh, but it helps!! :)
ReplyDeleteOH OLIVIA!!! CONGRATULATIONS AND I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! I *was* wondering a little. ;) And this is super fun and super crazy, but I actually just got engaged, too!! Almost exactly one month ago (after a super short, very intentional, SUPER amazing courtship with a wonderful, godly young man who attends a sister church in our denomination ;D). Our wedding's set for the middle of September so I'm right in the middle of bridesmaid dresses at the moment. (And yes, I'm planning to sew my dress! ;))
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm really looking forward to your "story" post! I put up an initial one for our courtship/engagement (touching the tip of the iceberg so to speak ;)) if you care to see it here: http://ladyofanorien.blogspot.com/2016/04/announcing-engagement.html
I'll be moving, too, all the way across the country. ;)
Ohhhh.... this is soooo exciting to be sharing this time of life together!!!! Many many blessings to you during all the upcoming days of joy and full emotions and preparations!
Olivia, congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's so epic, and I will be praying for both of you as you begin this adventure! Marriage is awesome, and young marriage is the best (my husband and I were both 20 when we got married, and now we've been married almost 3 years!). Also, I think it's really cool under the "did you court" question that you mention not doing everything exactly how you're "supposed" to do it. I think it's way better for couples to see how God wants them to build their relationship on a good foundation and ideals instead of getting hung up on the exact "rules" of it all :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. I thought something was up that you were in Georgia so much. We know Calvin's sister.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Victoria
Congratulations!! So excited for you. I've been a dedicated reader for a long time but I don't comment a lot - I'm sure you're so happy!
ReplyDeletewww.thedivinepresence.wordpress.com
Y'all are the cutest couple!! Can't wait for wedding planning/pictures!!
ReplyDelete-Reader for 2 years :)
Well that escalated quickly. Not to sound mean, but I do not understand this at all. Courting, short engagements... ??? Please be sure you know what you're doing, is all i'm saying :) I wish you the best of luck Olivia!!!! <3 <3
ReplyDeleteOLIVIA!!! SO happy for you, so SO happy :) It's a beautiful thing when the Lord brings together two people like you and Calvin. I'll be praying for you two as you start down this new journey together :) <3
ReplyDeleteblessings,
-Charlotte
boyerfamilysingersblog.com
Congrats!!! Super exciting!
ReplyDeleteAwesome very exciting for you guys! You two both have big beautiful smiles in the pictures. :) Congrats!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's good news! Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Olivia!!! I am so extremely happy for you, and pray the Lord's blessing upon you in this new journey in your life.
ReplyDeleteBlessings in Him,
Brigid
oOH! Blog peeple weddigs! so exsited! brigi's gona get marrit and Olivia to. yaay
DeleteCongratulations!!! We wish you the best.
ReplyDeleteEep! Congratulations, Olivia! I had the feeling something was up, and I guess I was right! You two look so happy together, I can't wait to hear the whole story!
ReplyDeleteEven though I haven't followed your blog since its beginning, I've looked back through many of your old posts, and it really is amazing how far your life has come since then. From being a young teen to now a soon-to-be-married woman, it's been amazing to watch God working in your life! I can't wait to see what He has in store for you and Calvin, and this blog. :)
Many congrats and wishing you a wonderful, God-glorifying marriage!
Joyfully His,
~Abby
Olivia, this is absolutely thrilling! As someone who has been following your blog for a loooong time, I'm so happy for you! You have done so much in the blogging sphere with your modesty and pulled together outfits. So many of us have gained insight and inspiration from what you've done or the outfits you've shown us. Even in your "real" posts you have inspired us. I wish you the very best and I'm so excited that you aren't leaving us and we get to join you on this next stage and journey of your life!
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
Huge congratulations, I'm excited to follow along on this new chapter in your life.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! We are so happy for you. We hope God continues to bless both of you on this most special journey together. Wishing you very much happiness together. Blessing Stephanie & Steven Means
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. How are Emma,Willa, and you doing with the fact that you're moving a state away? Big transition.
ReplyDelete-Annie
Ahh!!! Congratulations!! So excited for you! I'm so glad you're going to keep blogging I've missed your regular posts, not that you haven't had a legit reason for irregular posts ;) and look forward to reading your courtin' story and future blog posts as you enter into this next new and exciting chapter in your life!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Congratulations! I am so happy for you! I pray the Lord blesses each of you as a couple and draws you closer to each other and to Him day by day! You are such an inspiration to me and I can't wait to see what God has next for you! Thank you for taking us on this journey with you! It means more to me than you know!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Prayers,
Victoria
http://www.rufflesandgrace.wordpress.com/
CONGRATS!! You have waited faithfully, and the Lord has blessed you!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to learn about your courtship!
~Andrea Joy~
Congrats! Is that why you were reading,"Equipped to Love?". Lol
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you both! Oh, it is a beautiful thing to watch a young couple follow God's perfect plan for their lives. My husband and I sought the dear Lord early in life, and He brought us together so sweetly, and Lord willing, if He spares time and our lives until June 11th, we will celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary. It pays to mind God...to put Him first...to allow HIM to be the leader of your life and home. You will never regret it! May He bless you and Calvin with many long, happy, healthy years together! So happy for you!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'm very happy and wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations sweetie!!!!! This came as a total shock to me, but I am overjoyed for you!!!!! :) My husband and I just celebrated out one year anniversary on the 2nd of May, and we married young, I am 20. I wish you all the best!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDaria
www.craftyseams.weebly.com
Reactions: "audible squeal* "inaudible thoughts of so THAT'S why it's been so quiet here..." Haha :).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Olivia :)! Those pictures are adorable, especially the ring one :). May the Lord bless you and Calvin as you journey on together :)!!!!
I saw this and IMMEDIATELY thought of you and wondered if you had seen it :)
DeleteTHIS IS SO CUTE!
Congrats!!!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh! I'm so happy for you! I hadn't ever seen any mention of a significant other on your blog so I'd wondered if there was a guy in the picture or if all of them were oblivious to you! Congratulations! Blessings to you both!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Olivia!!! I was so excited to see this post in my dashboard! Calvin sounds like a wonderful man and you make such a sweet couple. I can't wait to hear more of your story!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you!!! 😀
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Olivia! :D This is so exciting. :)
ReplyDeleteSo happy for y'all
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! August is so soon too, but no worries really. My husband and I will be celebrating our 5th anniversary on August 13th, although we became engaged in January of that year, we didn't get to start planning hardcore until I finished grad school at the start of May, so you have just about the same amount of time and it was fine. I also studied for and took the CPA exam while doing the wedding planning, but ah well. God Bless you both!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations from a long time reader! May God bless your marriage!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow Olivia! Congratulations on your engagement. I saw your Instagram post and felt so delighted to see how happy you were sitting beside him. I really, truly do bless your relationship; I hope that you experience the never-ending growth of love and relish the sacred bond that marriage provides, and I hope that Calvin treats you just like the daughter of God that you are. You two look beautiful together! Continue to honor God in your engagement/marriage, and your relationship will blossom.
ReplyDeleteP.S., maybe that now you'll be living in Georgia, we'll finally get to meet! I live in extreme Northern Florida (3 hours from Savannah) and would love to finally meet you!
God Bless you!!
Tiffany at PrimProverbsPrincess
www.primproverbsprincess.blogspot.com
Ahhh I am so excited for you Olivia!!
ReplyDeleteGah!!! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you!! I found your website about a year and a half ago, I had thought to myself that it was odd a beautiful young lady like yourself was not 'taken' yet. God's timing is always the right timing!! God bless you both on the journey ahead!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! So happy for you :)
ReplyDeleteWow, that's incredible. What inspired you to have such a short courtship? I have so many questions because I'm totally rethinking relationships at the moment.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Olivia! I've never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I've enjoyed your blog for the last 2 or 3 years. I'm happy and excited for you! Thanks for all the great encouragement your blog has been to me. :)
ReplyDeleteIm so happy for you!!! I cannot wait for details! I pray for a very blessed life for you both. May God richly bless you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! I'm sooo happy for you! I'm looking forward to reading your whole love story!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! I really enjoy your blog and have missed the regular posts -- but it's totally understandable. ;) Glad you are planning on continuing to write even after your marriage. (Please write "your story" soon!!! Or maybe even a guest post from Calvin...)
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Ana
Congratulations!!! I knew something was up--your Pinterest board was giving me a big hint! I'm excited for you and I have to say, your fiance sure picked a winner. You are a young lady with so much on the ball. I feel like I've known you for years and can't wait to read your "story."
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Olivia and Calvin! How exciting! You guys look so good together. May God bless your marriage and give you many wonderful years together.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more about your story, wedding plans, and plans for the future. Glad that you are still going to blog:)
Congrats! I hope we get to see a close up of that ring;)
ReplyDeleteChristina
www.ourwoodhome.com
I was SO shocked, but it makes sense why you've been so quiet around here lately ;)
ReplyDeleteBEST wishes! <3
Congrats! And welcome (some time in the future) to Georgia!
ReplyDeleteYou two look so cute and happy together! Congratulations! Sounds like he's a great guy (and a good photographer too). :)
ReplyDeleteSusie
Congrats Olivia! Calvin sure looks like a keeper. :)
ReplyDeleteDear Olivia,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful ring!! Random question, how did you know you were ready for courtship/marriage?
-longtime reader :)
-Beth
DeleteWhaaaaaat? Wow, he is one lucky guy! You are an absolute catch! Best wishes and I can't wait to read your story.
ReplyDelete~Esther of Oz
This is wonderful news. I would love to see some of the wedding pictures. Especially your dress. Best wishes always
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! I am a 14 year old girl and have been following your blog for quite some time. Like others have said I too got really excited and almost shrieked when I opened your blog and saw the post! I pray that the Lord richly blesses you in your new life together and can't wait to hear more of your story!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bella
Congrats Olivia!! Wow, a total shocker for me too. You sure kept a good secret online! :) My special guy and I have been together for 8 months today, so longer than you two actually! I really believe that if you feel it is God's time it doesn't matter whether you court/date three months or 2 years, He knows what the perfect time is! Some people need more time to grow together, some don't and sometimes outside circumstances get in the way. My guy and I didn't know each other at all, we had just met at chapel a month before he expressed an interest, so it was really fun getting to know each other and discovering that we are such a good match! Truly best friends! Anyway, too much about me! I'm just so happy to hear your special news, and am looking forward to hearing about your wedding plans and seeing pictures!! Hopefully I will gain some ideas and inspiration for my time. :) Best wishes :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Olivia! I am so happy for you! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for you and Calvin.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Olivia!! So happy for the two of you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Olivia!!! I literally yelled when I saw this because I got so excited. xD I love you and your blog. <3 (By the way, where did you get your top? It's beautiful!)
ReplyDeleteMany blessings to you two, Olivia!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Olivia! May the Lord use your relationship to draw you both closer to Himself and glorify Him! Can't wait to hear your story! ;)
ReplyDelete~Your sister in Christ, Rachel :)
Congratulations Olivia! May the Lord use your relationship to bring you both closer to Himself and to glorify Him! I can't wait to hear your story! ;)
ReplyDelete~Your sister in Christ :)
Congratulations! I love reading your blog and am looking forward to hearing more about your story. The ring looks beautiful as well!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Olivia!!!!!! You two are adorable together. :)
ReplyDelete~Keri
CONGRATULATIONS to you both!!! you look so happy!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless!!!!!
Clo, Is. 53:5, #UNASHAMED, heresclo.blogspot.com, YouTube channel-Clo Hale
Before you commit for life (life!), maybe you want to spend more time together? Life is a long time. I mean this in a friendly way.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Olivia! I'm so happy for you! God bless you and your soon-to-be marriage^_^
ReplyDeleteCongrats!💍💍💍👰🏽👰🏽👰🏽👰🏽👰🏽
ReplyDelete*squeals* That's so amazing! Congratulations to both of you! <3 Spring is a lovely time for engagements. :)
ReplyDeleteYay! This is so awesome. :D Congrats!!!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you!! Just out of curiosity, why did you wait until engagement to make an announcement? Most young ladies can't wait to show off their boyfriends.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome!!!! Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, both the sewing and the fashion one! God bless!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! So excited for you both! :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. This is the 100th comment! :D
WHAT!?!? I can't believe it! Congrats Olivia! I'm so excited for you!!!
ReplyDelete~CZ
WOOHOO! Praise the Lord :) God bless you both abundantly! xox
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! Soo so happy for you :) God's blessing be upon you both and your future marriage! <3
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Congratulations! <3 May God bless you! And may your lives together be long and happy.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'm from Atlanta, too. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Olivia! (I moved to GA last year from KY, Augusta area). I am happy for you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Olivia!!! Ya'll are so cute! I'm so Happy For you!! <3
ReplyDeleteLove, Katie
I have enjoyed your blog for some time, and am absolutely thrilled to hear about your engagement!!! We are all excited for you, and look forward to hearing more about your story!!!! May God bless you in this new stage of life. ☺️
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Olivia, I'm so happy for you☺
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteYay! I am so happy for you! Congratulations...and tell Calvin, "nice to meet you!" LOL :)
ReplyDeleteAre u going to be doing a new post soon? I love reading them. And congrats.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I squealed when I saw this post, I am so happy for you! You are like a dear friend to me, and you don't know me from Adam... I will be praying for you and Calvin as you take this next big step in your life. marriage is so fun! I am coming up on my third anniversary, and look forward to many more years with my man. :) I pray for God's richest blessings to be poured out on both of you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Michaela P
Like!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Olivia!! God bless you both!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Olivia! May God bless your marriage. Hope the planning goes well. Can't wait to see wedding pictures! (Your dress, please!) :)
ReplyDeleteWrite your story!!!
ReplyDelete-Caroline
Awesome! Can't wait to read more about this :) SO happy for you!! He's a lucky man ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you!! I live in Augusta, GA only about 2 hours away :D
ReplyDeleteI'm so very excited for you!
ReplyDelete-Hannah