our story.
colin eric harman:
Colin was born right outside of Los Angeles in a town called Whittier, CA. There he lived with his dad, mom and sister, Amber. They eventually moved a few hours north to Auburn, CA, where his parents still currently live. After high school, Colin traveled the country full time for two years with a Living Proof & Primary Focus, a group that goes into elementary schools teaching kids about character education. Through traveling with this team, Colin earned two free years to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. While in college, Colin began serving on a technical team, and also completed a graphic design internship, at Blue Ridge Community Church. After graduating with his degree in graphic design, Colin began and continues to work as the lead graphic designer at Blue Ridge.
maria giavanna brebner:
Maria was born and raised in Lynchburg, VA living with her mom and brother, James. Serving in her local church, Blue Ridge Community Church, was always a big part of Maria’s life. In high school she began leading teams of teachers, actors, music and technical arts that teach kids about how God can be the Leader of their lives. After high school, Maria started and still continues to work in children’s ministry at her church.
how we met:
Colin and I met while working at Blue Ridge Community Church in Forest, VA. We didn’t really know each other due to our offices being on opposite ends of the building, and our work responsibilities rarely crossing paths. Our once a week staff meetings were the only times we ran into each other and even then we hardly ever spoke. We had hung around one another through various mutual friendships, but never really interacted beyond hello. However, being the considerate person that Colin is, he eventually reached out to me for us to become friends.
Right off the bat we just clicked. We got along so well together and our life goals, views, and activities all aligned. Colin’s love and desire to honor God is amazing, and as it continues to grow it’s incredible to me. I always wanted to marry a man who is fully reliant on God. The more we are together, the more we realized how we are made for each other. Through many great experiences and adventures, our friendship has grown into the incredible love we have for one another.
the proposal:
June 3rd began as we headed to Washington D.C. (about a three and half hour drive). Road trips with Colin are some of my favorite times with him. We often spend the hours telling stories and talking about countless topics, and I mostly end up laughing a lot. Our first stop was Tysons Corner (home of the world’s first Apple Store!) to grab a bite to eat from Chipotle which is one of our most-liked places to eat. After lunch, we hopped on a metro to the Smithsonian National Zoo where we spent most of the day.
It was the most perfect temperature that day without humidity (which is rare around here) so after the zoo we headed to the National Mall to check out some of the monuments. We snapped a few photos of ourselves close to the Washington Monument which is in the center of all the National Mall. I had turned to stare off at some of the views from where we were, but when I turned back around I was face to face with Colin on one knee! It seemed surreal, magical, and very exciting! Yes, I was surprised and a few tears of joy were shed! I felt like I was in a dream the rest of that week. I’m so grateful to be engaged to marry my most favorite man in the world, the man God brought for me!
