Forever and Ever

Our story began in the most unexpected, gentle way—at church, where Israel was playing the piano for the praise team. We were introduced briefly as two people who spoke Portuguese, exchanged a few words about our cultural backgrounds, and then went our separate ways. Neither of us knew then that something so simple would be the beginning of everything. As time went on, we hung out in the same circles and slowly became friends. By the fall of 2024, we began to spend more time together. What started as casual lunches and study sessions quickly turned into something deeper. We found comfort, joy, and laughter in each other’s presence, and before we knew it, we were inseparable. Once we opened up about our feelings, everything else seemed to fall into place. Just a day later, we officially became a couple. What we felt was so natural, so certain—it was as if our hearts had been quietly waiting for each other all along. Within three months, Israel asked for Ambrosee's parents' blessing, and at five months, he asked her to be his forever. He proposed at the Frederick Meijer Botanical Gardens in Grand Rapids, MI, on a quiet bridge in the Japanese garden. Despite walking in circles for two hours (nervously stalling for the photographer), when the moment came, he simply looked at her with love and asked the question that would change our lives. Now, we look forward to forever—building a home filled with love, creating a family, and growing closer to each other every day. Our story may have started with just a few words, but it has grown into a love more beautiful than we ever imagined.