It all began in October 2012 at Full Gospel Assembly in Brooklyn, where the church was gearing up for its annual Christmas play. The production centered around two teenagers navigating their faith—and as fate would have it, Adriel was cast as the father of one teen, and Natifa as the mother of the other. Week after week, the two sat in pews waiting to be called for rehearsal, making casual small talk. The spark was there, but they needed a little push. Enter Sabrina—a mutual friend who danced with Natifa and managed sound with Adriel. She officially introduced them, and a friendship began to blossom. Over time, Adriel and Natifa became inseparable—riding bikes, rock climbing, and hanging out at each other’s jobs. A year into their friendship, they began to wonder if it could be more. That question led to their first “friend-date” to see the highly anticipated Baggage Claim. Feelings deepened, but there was still a bit of uncertainty. Then came September 17, 2013—a truly magical moment. The power had gone out at Natifa’s job, and Adriel happened to be there. After helping reset the fuse box, he leaned in for a kiss. And just like that, it was on. On May 24, 2014, Adriel took Natifa to the Top of the Rock and asked her to be his girlfriend. Later that year, they moved into their first apartment in the Bronx, where they navigated life, love, job losses—and even mice—together. In August 2015, a routine doctor’s appointment turned into a shocker: not only were they expecting, they were already four months pregnant! Wanting to be close to family, they returned to Brooklyn to prepare for the arrival of their son. In February 2016, Adriel Jr. was born. A few months later, in April 2016, Adriel proposed—on a rainy Wednesday, outside Kay Jewelers on Fulton Street, just after picking up the ring. They married on May 24, 2016, exactly two years after that Top of the Rock moment. By June 2018, their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Noa. With their family complete, they began laying a foundation. A job opportunity led them to Albany, where they planted new roots in November 2018. They bought their first home in 2022, surrounded by a loving village committed to faith, family, and community. Now, it’s year 10. We’re looking forward to building the life we’ve always dreamed of—buying our forever home on an island, growing our careers, caring for our health, and raising sound, God-fearing children. We pray to remain firm in our love while raising them, and we thank you for being part of our story.