By Mackenzie Langham | Eli and Brienna Williams did not expect that they would meet and marry each other when they started at their separate universities. However, fate had other plans. Brienna went to the University of Mary Hardin Baylor and Eli went to Howard Payne University.
Strategic communication major and junior at the time, Brienna, went to Paisano Baptist Encampment in 2018 with her family. At the same time, Biblical language major and upcoming senior, Eli, was on the recreation team for the kid’s camp there.
“We met at a family camp that my family has been going to for years. My parents actually met at the same camp years ago,” said Brienna.
Although their time at the camp ended, the two continued to grow their friendship after that summer.
David Williams, Eli’s father, said that the couple had met in August, started dating in January and got engaged in February. They married July 11, 2019.
“I have seen them mature and grow in that aspect of making those hard decisions and forging together through prayer. I have seen them grow as adults with making those decisions together and communicating with one another as a married couple and depending on one another to navigate their married life together,” said David.
Brienna transferred to HPU after their wedding and is now a senior. Eli graduated the fall semester after their wedding.
Eli said that for a married couple, the marriage is more important than anything else except God.
“You sacrifice a lot when you choose to marry, no matter what stage in life. You must realize your spouse comes before work, fun, school, hobbies, kids, family, and literally everything but God Himself,” said Eli.
Brienna said that the transition and marriage was a big change.
“I sacrificed my traditional college experience when I got married in college, but the tradeoff was so worth it. Marriage requires work, sacrifice and time so it can be difficult to balance being involved on campus as well as taking care of all the ‘adult’ responsibilities, which are blessings and gifts, that come with being married,” said Brienna.
Vanessa Pate, a friend of the couple, said she and her husband, Brian, both knew Eli since he was in seventh grade. He was in their youth group at May First Baptist Church.
“He came to our house one day a little over two years ago saying he had met the girl he was going to marry. He introduced us shortly after,” said Pate.
The Pates supported Eli and Brienna getting married in college.
“I married my husband while we were both in college, so I knew it wouldn’t be an issue,” said Pate.
Eli said that a person’s whole lifestyle and identity changes when they become one with their spouse.
“I was happy to put things aside for Brie. She did the same for me and it is so worth it. You are now a man who she chooses to trust. She chooses to let you be her protector and provider. You’re not a boyfriend anymore. You are a life-long partner who would give up everything for this woman,” said Eli.