Everyone loves a good love story. I figured it was time to share mine. After 4 long years of sitting, waiting, wishing, I found the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.
To illustrate the story of our first meeting, I employed the services of the über-talented Wes Molebash. I gave him the storyboard and he put this fantastic comic together outlining the beginning of our relationship.
Katie and I met through blogging. I first commented on her blog back in December of last year. We began reading each others blogs and eventually became Facebook friends. As we interacted online, the connection we felt was almost tangible. One day we were on Facebook and we said that if we ever met, there would be fireworks and we would both possibly explode into a flaming ninja fireball.
Shortly after that we began talking on the phone and after the second call, I knew that I liked her. The first time we Skyped was on Valentine’s Day and we spent most of the time staring into each others eyes. Awwww. Seriously, I was awestruck by her beauty.
Without much hesitation, we knew that we HAD to meet. After working through some arrangements, we decided that I would fly up to meet her in D.C. I flew in on a Thursday evening and proceeded to have one of the most amazing weekends of my life. Everything we felt online completely translated in real life.
We’ve been dating for about 3 months and it has exceeded everything I could have even imagined. Katie is beautiful, hilarious, talented and absolutely in love with Jesus. I still shake my head in awe and thank God for bringing all this together. I couldn’t ask for a more incredible woman in my life.
She has no idea that I did this so this will be the first time she sees it. We talked about writing a post sharing the story with our blog community. I think she wondered why it took me so long. Now she knows. I wanted to do it right!
So thank you to all those who have known about us. Your encouragement and prayers have been awesome. Special shout out to Kristin who knew what was happening probably even before we did and totally called us out on a comment months back on Katie’s blog. Also, she had a fantastical dream about our wedding which in all honesty, better happen EXACTLY as she dreamed it!
So I share the story for two reasons. First, to update all those who read regularly and those in our blog community. And secondly, to encourage everyone who has been waiting for what feels like an eternity that when the right one comes, it may not be exactly like you expected but you can be sure that it will be even better than you dreamed. Expect the exceptional!
P.S. The title of this post is the name of our song. It is from the Civil Wars album Barton Hollow which if you haven’t heard, you NEED to drop what you’re doing and buy it. Well, write a comment first and then you can go check it out. 
katie – your post about your dog? Great story and looking forward to what God has planned! Also, I’m writing about the band a lot to give some legitimacy to my request for them to pay me mileage for this trip.
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I’ve been MIA for so long that it was SO awesome to read this.
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This is a great post. Thanks for sharing. As a Christian single mom in a small town, the dating pool is very small (actually non-existent). It’s encouraging to be reminded that things don’t have to happen the way I think they should.
I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned through this. I have a tendency to plan out EVERYTHING in my mind. Like 10 steps ahead. I think life is like a chess game. But with God, it’s definitely not. When I became open to things playing out differently then I first planned, I was absolutely overwhelmed with how much better it turned out than anything I could have orchestrated.
That is one of the coolest stories ever. I think I’m gonna ask my wife to start blogging so we can copycat it. Too late you say? Pshh, details.
It’s never to late to…go back in time? Thanks Tyler!
Who doesn’t love a love story? I loved this, thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad for you both, God bless you!
Thank you so much Cris. It just keeps getting better and better!
whoooooooooo hooooo! Wait, you were in DC and I didn’t know about it? Does she live here? And if so – when are you coming back so we can host the two of you for dinner?!?! whoooh oooooooo – happy dance for you bro!
She’s actually just moved to WV. I’ll be in Columbia, MD in May for a week of training. Is that near you?
Um YES friend! It is a bear to try and get up and back during the week (Columbia MD is about 45 minutes to Northern VA on a day w/o traffic) – will you be coming up on a weekend day or staying over on a weekend at all? I used to work in Columbia – so I know it a bit! email me jennyrainschmitz at yahoo dot com and maybe we can coordinate?
Awesome story!!!
Thanks Doug!
AWESOME! Congratulations to you both. So cool.
Thanks P. Matt!
Man! This is the coolest thing ever!
Thanks Jonathan! I thought so too!
Awww…such a great story! And thanks for sharing it. I needed it. Let’s just say holidays are not the easiest for me in this department.
Be encouraged bro. Mrs. Vana is on her way!
Love you, Wajh!!!
Thanks Wajh! Smiles, hugs, puppies and unicorns!
Congratulations…awesome!!!! God is good!
Thanks Elaine! Yes, He definitely is good!
{love}
So awesome!!
{love}
Such a great story! Hooray for you both!
Thank you so much Mindy!
All kinds of awesome!
I have to agree, Ryan!
Fantastic tale Tony. Great to hear about that connection. Nice when Providence helps put things in perspective.
Thanks Clay! Providence definitely puts things in perspective. Priceless! Sorry…I like alliteration.
What a sweet love story – so glad for the internet! My husband does wedding and funerals full time and he’s amazed at the couples meeting online now – wouldn’t have happened in a past life. It’s wonderful to me – you would not have met it it hadn’t been for your blogging and facebook connection. I love it!
I did the online dating thing ONCE. It didn’t work out and I promised myself I would never do it again. It’s funny how this worked out because we weren’t even looking for it. Plus, we met through something we are both passionate about (writing) so I think that makes it even cooler!
This definitely wouldn’t have happened 10 years ago, probably not even 5 years ago!
my sweet Gumpee and I met online friend
and now we are married!
I love it! That’s what I’m aiming for!
Tone! I’m so happy for you – and Katie! I’ve enjoyed seeing your transparent – all in heart weaved through words. Love you bro – looking forward to seeing where God takes you and Katie.
Thank you so much Jus. It’s been quite a ride. I asked God that when it happens, that we have a great story to tell. He definitely does not disappoint! I can’t wait to read how the rest unfolds!
I had the Civil Wars song in my head the moment I read the title! Love Wes’s comic and love hearing the story of your relationship came to be. As someone who is still waiting, this was definitely encouraging to hear!
Seriously, be encouraged. Me and Katie were talking about this last night. We were both on the verge of just giving up trying to find someone because all our efforts were in vain. As soon as we stopped trying and just gave it to God, we met. Crazy!
So awesome! So happy for you man!
Thanks April! Gah, I owe you some musical goodness. It will be in the mail this week!
Thanks! I forgot about it too!
I knew that was the song you were referring to before I even saw what the post was about. I know, I’m good. This is fantastic, my friend. Thrilled for you.
Yes, you are good Tamara. Thanks friend, I’m pretty stoked myself!
Awesome! Love that song.
That song was absolutely perfect for us. It just summed up everything about how we felt when we met. The rest of the album is stellar as well!
agreed. what an awesome story… and you have your very own cartoon!
Aw, T. No one deserves it more than you, truly. Can’t wait to see “the rest of the story”!
Big hugs to you both. XO
Oh you will hear it, my friend!
Dude, that was freakin’ adorable.
Congrats to you and Katie.
Thanks K.C. I appreciate it bro!
Thank you, K.C.!
“our song”. that is so (dare I say it?) cute!
I’m so happy to see you happy Tony. I love you like a brother and I want to see you in love. Kudos to you and Katie. (hi Katie!).
Thanks for your transparency.
Hi Moe!
Thank you for daring to say ‘cute’! You’re the awesomest.
I did say it and it kind of came with a little puke, but still cute! (oh here we go again)
We are cuter than kittens on the Internetz. Seriously. We’ll probably make you roll your eyes (or blush) if you see us together. Think Michael & Holly on the PDA episode of The Office. Ha!
In case anyone is wondering, that’s supposed to be Ron Burgundy in the lower right-hand corner of the comic.
Whoa, how did I miss that! That is awesometastic! Thanks again dude, this is one of the coolest things I’ve ever had done!
I’m so glad you guys like it! I always feel a little bit of trepidation when I do a project like this. It’s obviously very personal for you and Katie, and I didn’t want to screw it up!
You did such an amazing job. Like…whoa. I may or may not have even cried a little bit when Tony sent it to me last night. He knows how much I love your work so I was blown away!
Awww. That’s awesome.
Tony sent me some pictures of you guys, and I was sitting in front of my computer practicing how I was going to draw your “characters” for the comic. My wife came downstairs to see what I was doing, and I showed her the pics of the two of you. She said, “Awwww, they’ll be fun to draw!”
She was right.
Totally saw it. And the I love lamp shirt was rad!
That is awesometown! I totally missed it as well! By the way, nice touch with the Led Zeppelin poster in the first frame.
That is awesometown! I totally missed it as well! By the way, nice touch with the Led Zeppelin poster in the first frame.
Ha ha! Did you like that? Tony said you like Led Zeppelin, so I threw the Zoso symbol in there. Glad you caught it.
Loved it!!! When I saw it, I was like, “How did he know….?”
Tony was a great informant. He sent me the script, and then I asked him to get me details about your “first meeting” and the stuff you guys like. I tried to fit all that stuff into the comic, hence the movie and band references. I also tried to approximate his black MacBook and your Dell laptop.
Tony told me he wore a “brown, plaid button-up shirt” when you guys first met. I didn’t try to tackle the plaid-ishness of the shirt, so don’t blame Tony for that inaccuracy. That’s the fault of the artist.
When he texted me one night and asked me what kind of cell phone I have, I was like, “What are you up to…..?” I never could have guessed this in a million years. You both have blown me away with your attention to detail. I wouldn’t change a thing.
I was wondering if that might be Ron. Dude – this is excellent!
Great story and looking forward to what God has planned!
Me too Jim. Thanks!
Congrats man. Happy for ya bro.
Nothing like finding a great Godly women to share life with. The way God works never ceases to amaze!
God seems to always have an Ace up His sleeve. Just when I feel like giving up, He blows my mind!
dude, this is seriously awesome. loved reading this… for real!
praying for you guys!
Thanks Dustin. I appreciate your prayers and support dude. For realz.
Thank you, Dustin!
The whole flaming ninja fireball thing sounds painful to me…
The rest is some good stuff.
Somehow I have never seen Katie’s blog before. I will check it out today though.
Dusty, sometimes you have to go through some painful things for love. It’s worth it!
It only burns for a minute!
Totally cool bro’…happy for you both. How was the flaming ninja fireball?
It was everything I hoped it would be, Jay.
I love you both.
Love you too dude. For the sure.
Love you, Michael!! Thank you for all the prayers and support. You are definitely stout sauce!
And now I love you even more for using stout sauce!
Love it brother, glad that you waited for God on this one!
I must say IF you ever come back to DC you need to call me man, I am maybe 40 minutes away max depending on where you two are!
Let’s barbq!
Thanks Matthew! And dude, I’ll be in Columbia, MD next month. Maybe we can meet up at some point!
Let’s plan on it man! Let me know!
So much happiness here. I love you guys.
And as you know, our band is an Electric Slide-free group. For weddings and stuff. And only like an hour or so north of Katie. And amenable to cutting a deal for awesome online blogging buddies of the lady who does all of the booking. Just sayin.
Seriously though – I love the Civil Wars. Which is the MAIN reason I clicked over.
Seriously seriously though, I really am thrilled for you. A lot!
Me and Katie are divided on the Electric Slide issue. She hates it and I like the fact that it gets all the wallflowers out on the dance floor. Sure the song is stupid and the dance is dumb, but it makes me think of a flash mob choreographed dance…without the awesomeness of spontaneity.
And thanks friend, I’m thrilled beyond measure. ♪ Cause this is Thriller…thriller night! ♫
FTR, we DO play Thriller.
And we do an auto-tuned version of “Sweet Caroline” that absolutely PACKS the dance floor. So no worries there. ;-D
By the way….I totally blew the surprise, Alise. I told him you were coming to meet up with us on Friday. I am THE WORST at surprises. I get too excited. I think once we all sit down together we can discuss this electric slide issue like rational adults. And by “rational adults” I am obviously referring to the 2 out of 3 of us that don’t like the electric slide.
D’oh! Oh well then, YAY!
I am SO EXCITED to meet you guys on Friday!!!! I know it won’t be a flaming ninja fireball, but I’m still super stoked!
And I promise. Auto-tuned Neil Diamond absolutely DESTROYS the Electric Slide for dancing. It is indeed, so good, so good, so good.
Who knows…lightening may strike twice and we’ll have another flaming ninja fireball!?? I am super stoked as well!!!
She really is terrible at surprises. We were talking about the trip and I was like “it would be cool if we could meet Alise”…then out it comes! Haha!
SUPER stoked to meet you!
Well yeah, because nothing beats getting to spend time with your lady than having a total internet stranger crashing the party!
Also, I’m writing about the band a lot to give some legitimacy to my request for them to pay me mileage for this trip. I’m bringing business cards and you have to take them. For tax purposes.
Love it when God’s plan all comes together.
Praying that you two will find what God has in mind for your “friendship” and that it might be all that you both dreamed. Okay…’nuff sentiment. Totally cool Tony!! 
Thank you so much Bill! I agree, it’s cooler than a polar bear’s toenails.
Awww…that is so sweet.
Thanks Paula!
Well, when I first saw the title I was hoping that this post was all about me.
But now that I’ve read the post, I’m kinda glad it wasn’t.
Congratulations you two!
Don’t worry, I’m working on a video post about you…and toy Yoda!
Thanks Larry.
This makes me super giddy! Nothing better than a redemptive love story. A true love story. May you grow closer to Him as you grow closer to eachother. I wish you nothing but the best!!!
Thank you so much, Keri! I too would admit to giddiness if it wouldn’t put my man card in jeopardy.
LOL, we all know you’re super in touch with your feminine side.
P.S. Your friend did an AMAZING job on the cartoon!
….Nicely done, Jesus. Nicely done, indeed. You’re pretty darned awesome, aren’t You? Uh huh.
Indeed He is!
WOW! I. Love. This. Surprise!!!!!
Thank you so much, Tony!! <3
I would say I'm speechless, but that's pretty much impossible.
Wes did an amazing job of totally capturing all the details. (I can't believe that you remembered that I was wearing a red shirt the first time we met!!) And the "Nacho Libre" and "I love lamp" t-shirts we are wearing definitely represents us well! THANK YOU, WES!!!
Kristin definitely called it from the beginning! She has encouraged both of us over these last 3 months. Thank you to everyone who is cheering us on and praying for us. I am so amazingly blessed to have Tony in my life. He is the real deal. He walks with Jesus and has the fruit to prove it. My heart is lighter and my relationship with Jesus stronger since having him in my life. Oh…and that smile…..
You are definitely worth it.
Wes completely rocked this and really captured the essence of the beginning of us. I’m so glad he did this.
You are my absolutely favorite and you deserve only the nerdiest, geekiest best! I love you!
Be still my nerdy, geek heart!
Awesome post, dude. Love the toon and the tune. You guys are a great fit for each other!
Thanks man, seriously. It was a lot of fun working with Wes to put this together. He rocks!
Thank you, Jason!!
that’s pretty rad. tear it up!
Thanks Charlie!
SO CUTE! love this, tony! (and katie!) congratulations!
p.s. katie – your post about your dog? HILARIOUS. and awesome. love.
Thanks M.K.
Oh and Katie has plenty more where that came from. She wrote a post awhile back about David Bowie in Labyrinth that made me die laughing!
SO CUTE! love this, tony! (and katie!) congratulations!
p.s. katie – your post about your dog? HILARIOUS. and awesome. love.
Thank you!!!
(Stop by The Dailies any time! My dog tends to have a lot to say..)
dude…. I so called it! And, I couldn’t be happier for you both, sweets and sweetness.
I know, that’s why you had to get a shout out! Thank you for all your encouragement, Kristin. You are awesome!
You TOTALLY called it! We love you, Kristin! You are the BEST!