Story
Let’s just address the elephant in the room before we go any further. We’re not getting married because cows— that’s not the only factor, at least. It is, however, incredibly convenient the we both have loved cows since we were wee youngins. So yes, Maddy loves cows, Josh loves cows, we love cows together, and we love those facts, but indeed, the love extends far beyond the bovine.
We met our freshmen year of college through a Christian group on campus called Cru. Our first one on one exchange was on a Sunday morning while we were waiting outside RIT’s main dining hall for a ride to church. That was the beginning of a simple friendship that continued to grow over the next few years.
During our second year, we both must’ve had at least some interest in the other, as we managed to get ourselves into the same physics class. That year also marked incredible growth in our faith lives. We were part of a group of friends starting to take ownership of their faith in Christ. Through quick exchanges in class to growing in our faith along side each other, we grew closer as friends.
We eagerly looked forward to our 5 minute breaks during physics class and our short walks together after class. They were quick exchanges, but oh so enjoyable. As our friendship grew stronger, it became apparent that there was potential for something more. On a Saturday in April, we met up outside on campus to talk about this, but before talking, we built a fort. (These conversations are better when there’s a fort involved, and it’s also better for Josh’s sensitive skin to be shaded from the sun.) After the fort construction was done, we sat and had a 3 hour conversation that ended up laying the foundations to our relationship! We both were interested in pursuing a relationship together. Our intent was to build up a relationship with the purpose of glorifying God, encouraging each other, and continuing to grow our friendship.
And incredibly enough, that’s exactly what has been the case since. The deep admiration and respect that began our relationship has grown/is growing into learning to choose selfless love again and again. (God’s free grace and our need for it has become so very apparent!) And we’ve seen how we are able to serve God together in ways that we can’t apart. Meanwhile, we also get to go on adventures together, we get to be with families together, we get to play games together, we get to go on car rides together, we get to pray together, we get to have long conversations together, we get to laugh together, and we get to see God’s faithfulness together! We just get to be together. And now, we do it for life! We see marriage as a covenant and promise to each other and God and are excited to affirm that covenant before our family and friends this August!
Tidbits
When did you first become interested in each other?
[Josh] There were a few different times that I had considered the potential of a relationship. Here’s a memorable one from me: Spring semester of my freshmen year a bunch of friends came down to visit the family farm. We hung out on the farm, saw a calf being born, and made some rhubarb crisp. Up until this point I hadn’t really thought that much about a relationship. But I vividly remember stopping and staring at her (much like a curious dog, including the head tilt) that weekend and thinking to myself, “I think she’d make a really good wife someday”. It was a vague statement, and I wasn’t sure how I would eventually play into that picture, but it was just the start.
[Maddy] In all honesty, pretty soon into getting to know him (1st semester freshman year). As many of you know, I'm not an impulsive person, so it was more of a "hmm, I'm gonna keep an eye on him" kinda deal, rather than "I've found HIM!" What I knew I liked right off the bat was this: he had a great smile and laugh (insta connection on my end), he grew up with cows (double insta connection!), he was patient with people, he had a goofy weirdness to him, and he was committed to following Christ. Those were my initial thoughts, but as we became closer friends, I'd say our second year was where I was definitely thinking about the idea of dating him (not that I was going to do anything about it). It was that year that I learned how solid of a friend he is. I took note of his interactions with our mutual friends, and his own friends. He embodied so much intentionality and thoughtfulness for each person, and on top of that, his pursuit of a Christ-driven life was so evident. And my interest for him only grew/has been growing from there.
How did you first meet?
See Our Story!
Who made the first move? How?
[Maddy] That'd be Josh. April 15th, 2016 I was sitting at a table in an atrium just outside of the classroom I was waiting to go in to. And lo-and-behold, who shows up, but Josh Deichmann. My heart beat was immediately off to the races, since a couple minutes earlier I was just walking with him and our friend Paul…why the heck was he back? BY HIMSELF? He leaned down to the table and asked me if I was free tomorrow morning, to which I said yes, and we settled on a time. And that was that. Lasted maybe a whopping minute and a half. But as he walked away and it was just me, I remember feeling like it was a movie scene or something. Ya know, where a girl gets asked out with a bunch of other people around and they’re discussing amongst themselves, throwing subtle smirks in her direction, while she bashfully sits there, bursting with excitement on the inside. Alas, I’m pretty positive no one actually heard us, and I’m sure we were probably both pretty uncomfortable to watch anyway. Needless to say, a guy who had earned my respect and appreciation over our past year and half of friendship sat me down the next day to tell me that he too respects and appreciates my personality, character and faith and wanted to begin a relationship to grow as individuals in Christ, together.
What was your most memorable date?
[Josh] Our first official date was at Chili's a few weeks after we started dating. It was memorable for a few reasons. The first was that it was our first official date! It was in the works for a long while, and it was so exciting to finally go on our first date! The second reason had two names: Tyler and Erik. They crashed our date.
They were some of my close friends from freshmen year. About 15 minutes into our date, they waltzed into Chilis wearing suits and bow-ties thinking that we didn't see them. They were seated at a booth two down from ours. They tried to be discrete, but I could see them. They giggled as they got the waitress to deliver milk to our table as a joke. Not wanting them to have the last laugh, I informed the waitress of the situation. She was ready to help out in any way. And that they did. Maddy and I had her gather the entire wait-staff to sing happy birthday to the two of them. And it was AMAZING! I had never seen their faces so red.
They soon left us to our date, and we then went to Mendon Ponds in Rochester to sit by the water and talk. We reflected on our relationship thus far, and talked about what it could look like in the future. It was a great evening in all aspects!
What's the best meal you have eaten together?
[Josh] This is a hard one. We've been cooking with each other for a while, and that's always good. But we usually judge the meal by the amount of laughter that is exchanged!
[Maddy] Let's be honest. The very best food we've ever had together was probably at the Brazilian Steakhouse with the lovely Brock and Caroline. Doesn't get much better than never ending slices of various meats cut right before your eyeballs.
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
[Josh] We're not quite sure yet! We'll let you know when we figure it out -- or just keep it a secret! 🕵️♀️
How did you propose?
[Maddy] That's a loaded question and a half. So the intentionality and thoughtfulness I mention in the first question-- yea-- that is something Josh still continues to blow me away with. So, of course, his proposal plan fell right into that category. Essentially it went a little something like this: Josh's dad informs me we are surprising Josh for his birthday (Dec. 3) by flying his friend Tyler in from DC on Saturday, Dec 2. Josh wants to go home for that weekend, so I lie to him and tell him I can't come till mid-day Saturday (when Tyler's flight comes in). Josh heads home, Friday. I head there Saturday with the Tyler surprise en route. We pull in the driveway. 5 minutes later, amongst a beautifully decorated hayloft, I find it's all a lie. But the best lie. Josh is surprising ME. He flew MY best friend in. And to top is all off, I unknowingly brought my ring to my own engagement.
So incredibly thoughtful, this guy is.
^^Sparknotes version. Ask us for the details if you want to hear all the in's and out's:)
What are bees? (Jeopardy style)
The one singular thing in the world for which Josh is willing to throw (pretty much) all (and he's got a lot) his chivalry out the door. 🙍♂️ 🙅♀️ 🐝
#HesNotEvenAllergic
#ScarredForLife
#IDontEvenKnowWhy
Schedule
Sunday, August 5, 2018
The Ceremony
4:00 PM to 4:45 PM
Summer Casual (none of that tie or gown deal...)
Appetizers/Dry bar
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Chat it up or play some yard games. Just hang out whilst we do that whole picture taking deal.
Wedding Reception
6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Grab your friends, grab the fam, we've exchanged the rings, now let's do some things! 😎
Accommodations
Hampton Inn East Aurora
We blocked rooms at these hotels, but feel free to look elsewhere. There are plenty around!
Hampton Inn Buffalo South/I-90
We blocked rooms at these hotels, but feel free to look elsewhere. There are plenty around!
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, feel free to reach out!
What is the code for your app?
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Registry
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