The Wedding of
Justin Conn
&
Brooklyn Veenstra
July 11, 2020
OUR HISTORY
I first got to know Brooklyn at my 16th birthday party. The whole class of 2016 was invited, and since she was joining the class for our Junior year, she was invited. The school year of 2014-2015 started, and we slowly became friends.
This friendship grew to the point that I felt nervously comfortable asking her to the Junior/Senior banquet. It was my favorite banquet to that point. That, along with working on the school play together, made us very close friends.
Shortly after that, Brooklyn's dad was diagnosed with cancer. I remember being with her when she heard the news that he went into the hospital. From that moment to the beginning of the next school year, our friendship proved strong in the face of such a devastating trial. I would get texts from her in Chicago, and we would pray over the phone when we would get the chance.
Our Senior year began with Brooklyn joining the Varsity soccer team I was on as the stats girl. She had no idea what offsides was, but she wanted to be close to me. I also wanted her on the bench with me.
As the year moved on, we still leaned on each other through her dad's illness. And shortly after our Senior Trip, he passed away. It was the darkest time for Brooklyn and her family, and I witnessed God's power, grace, and love.
It was shortly after our graduation from Inter-City that we started dating. And after a short summer we had to learn how to date at Bob Jones University. Without a car, our dates were at the dining common or Brooklyn's aunt and uncle's house. Now, as an engaged couple, we can go on real dates. College has been such an amazing time for us, but I am excited for God's plan for us in the next stage together.
I love you Brooklyn.
Through His Eyes
You are my greatest adventure
Love, Justin
OUR
ENGAGEMENT
Operation: Shock Brooklyn.
Justin casually asked me on a date on July 24, and every date with him brings laughter and adventure and usually getting lost, even while using GPS. This was no exception. Justin seemed unusually frazzled as we pulled up to the restaurant in Downtown Wyandotte, MI. The car would pull backward and forward as we finally eased our way into a parallel parking spot. "Maybe, it's just been a long day?" or so I thought.
Every date I hope to cherish, so we talked about the remainder of the summer, and how his family heads north for a family vacation. These words came out of his mouth, "What a good place that would be to get engaged." All my suspicions faded away that July 24 would be the date; nevertheless, we had a wonderful dinner and he suggested walking to the dock, where his Papa Conn would take him.
Along with the entire population of Michigan, we walked along the dock as the sun began to set and the boats sailed by. Justin went to and fro trying to look for a spot to take in the nautical view (my favorite). Before I knew it, the most precious words of devotion came from the love of my life's lips, "Brooklyn, will you marry me?" Before even laying eyes on the symbol of faithfulness, I said, "YES!" Our adventure has been sweet, but I hope the ventures we embrace grow even sweeter as we become Mr. and Mrs.
I can't wait for all these adventures, sweetheart.
Love Always, Brooklyn