In the middle of late-night study sessions, coffee-fueled lectures, and countless hours of academic discussions, I found something—or rather, someone far more meaningful than a career or a degree. It was in the halls of grad school, where we were both working toward becoming counselors, that I met Abri, the woman who is about to become my wife. At first, she was just the brilliant, compassionate classmate who always seemed to have the perfect response in our discussions. There was something about her, an undeniable warmth in the way she carried herself, a spark in her laughter that made even the most stressful days lighter. But as I got to know her, I realized it was more than just admiration. She had a way of seeing the world, and the people in it, that inspired me. She didn’t just talk about helping others; she embodied it. Yet, despite all of this and despite my growing feelings for her, I hesitated. Part of me worried about the risk of rejection, but there was something even more daunting: the thought of asking her out and having to see her in class every week if she said no. So, I waited. I convinced myself to focus on school and told myself it wasn’t the right time. The truth is, I was captivated by her from the very beginning. As the semester went on, our paths kept crossing. We’d work on projects together, share laughs during breaks, and have deep conversations about the work we hoped to do as counselors. Every moment I spent with her made me more certain that I wanted to know her beyond the classroom. By the time the semester was ending, I knew I couldn’t let the opportunity pass. I remember nervously rehearsing my words before I finally asked her out. My heart was racing, and I braced myself for her response. To my surprise and immense relief, she smiled, said yes, and immediately made me feel like the luckiest man alive. That first date turned into another, and another, until one day, I realized she wasn’t just someone I cared about. She was the person I wanted to build a life with. Now, as we prepare to say “I do,” I can’t help but feel grateful for every moment that brought us here. From our late-night study sessions to our shared dreams of helping others, she has been my greatest partner in every sense of the word. Abri, you are my best friend, my biggest blessing, and the love of my life. I can’t wait to spend forever with you. Here’s to our next chapter, our forever chapter. -Isaiah

It was during our class break when we first connected over R&B music - such a simple moment that would change my life forever. The way Isaiah's eyes lit up as we discussed our favorite artists, the easy flow of our conversation... I felt an instant connection that was different from anything I'd experienced before. Later, after class ended, when he asked me to get coffee, my heart fluttered as I said yes. I barely made it to my car before calling my mom, bubbling over with excitement about this handsome, thoughtful classmate who'd just asked me out. Our story quickly deepened. The weekend after our first date, Isaiah went to a conference, and I was surprised by how much I missed him after knowing him personally for such a short time. When he returned, he took me on two more dates that left me even more certain about how special this was. Then it was my turn to travel - a work trip to LA that had me talking about him non-stop to my coworkers. I found myself daydreaming about future trips together in a city I'd only just begun exploring, and I couldn't resist buying him a white lucky cat souvenir that reminded me of his own cat. The night I traveled back, Isaiah stayed up late just to make sure I made it home safely. Here was this man I'd known for only two weeks, yet I couldn't stop thinking about sharing every new experience with him. What started in those early weeks has only grown stronger. Isaiah has been my rock through every high and low - celebrating with me as we earned our masters degrees, holding my hand through tough internship moments, making memories in Vegas, and being my strength when I lost my aunt. He even shared in one of my life's most meaningful moments when he baptized me. His strength, faith, and the way he loves so completely inspire me every day. Every moment with him has been a gift. He makes me laugh until my sides hurt, supports my dreams without hesitation, and brings a sense of peace to my life I never knew I was missing. In him, I've found not just a partner, but a best friend who makes every day brighter just by being in it. Isaiah, you're more than I ever dreamed of finding. I can't wait to begin our forever chapter together. -Abri