My Story: When “The One” Wasn’t God’s Best Fit
n high school, he was my best friend. We shared a love for God, the outdoors, and spent countless hours together. We started dating my senior year and continued through college. I truly believed he was “the one.”
When he proposed — flying us to a restaurant only accessible by small plane — I eagerly said yes. We began planning our summer wedding after graduation.
But during our engagement, especially through premarital counseling, quiet doubts surfaced.
Questions I had pushed aside became harder to ignore. Differences in long-term goals, career direction, expectations for the future — what once felt small began to feel significant. The comfort of our history had made it difficult to see clearly.
Eventually, we made the heartbreaking decision to call off the engagement. It was one of the hardest choices of my life.
A year later, I met someone in my church’s young adult group — a man I had somehow never crossed paths with before. We began dating, and now, 22 years later, I can confidently say he was worth the wait.
Looking back, I don’t see that broken engagement as failure. I see it as wisdom.
And that’s one reason I care deeply about premarital counseling.
Why I’m Passionate About Premarital Counseling
Premarital counseling isn’t about looking for problems.
It’s about building foundations.
That experience, combined with my professional background in counseling and coaching, shaped my conviction that couples need more than love and good intentions to build a marriage that lasts.
Even strong Christian couples can drift without clarity, communication skills, and shared expectations. Loving Jesus deeply doesn’t automatically mean you understand one another deeply.
Marriage is one of the most important stewardships you will ever carry. It deserves preparation.
In our own marriage, the foundation we built early on has helped us:
- Communicate clearly and respectfully
- Navigate conflict without fear
- Understand each other’s needs and expectations
- Seek support when seasons felt heavy
Our marriage isn’t perfect — no marriage is.
But intentional preparation created resilience.
And resilience shapes legacy.
Build a Marriage Worth Investing In
Premarital counseling gives couples space to slow down, ask honest questions, and build with intention instead of assumption.
It’s easier to shape a foundation before cracks form.
Whether you’re newly engaged or seriously considering marriage, I would be honored to walk alongside you in that season.
But even if you don’t choose me, I encourage you — choose preparation.
Find a counselor.
Find a coach.
Find a program that helps you build wisely.
Don’t leave one of the most important relationships of your life to chance.
Build it with intention.
Build it with wisdom.
Build it to last.
👉 [Find all the details about premarital coaching here and schedule your free initial session.]
With joy,
Ashley
Rooted for Legacy 🌿
Unseen faithfulness • intentional living
