We Decided on Forever!

Our love story began in the most unexpected yet beautiful setting – the warmth of a church service. Destiny had woven our paths together through a mutual friend, and the first peak into an unforeseen connection between us emerged in that moment. To think, our paths crossed and our future began over a dream and a conversation with our shared friend. ________ With curiosity and excitement, Nehemiah decided to seize the opportunity to introduce himself. Little did they know, this simple act would set the stage for a journey filled with love and companionship. In the subsequent weeks, life took an unexpected turn when Ariel fell ill and was unable to attend church. However, destiny intervened, and Nehemiah reached out to her through the modern channels of communication, sending a thoughtful message via Facebook. Their conversations blossomed over Messenger, where they exchanged thoughts, dreams, and laughter, gradually weaving the tapestry of a connection that felt increasingly special. As their connection deepened, Nehemiah took the courageous step of asking for Ariel's phone number. A week later, while she was traveling from Houston to Dallas for a graduation, their first phone call became a bridge between the miles that separated them. The more they talked, the more it became evident that their hearts were converging on a shared journey. Shortly after Ariel's return, Nehemiah celebrated her with a birthday brunch at Union Kitchen, a delightful afternoon that marked the beginning of a deeper connection. From that moment, their love story unfolded like a beautiful novel, with each chapter bringing them closer and strengthening the bond that was growing between them. Little did Ariel know that beneath the surface, Nehemiah was carefully planning a moment that would change their lives forever. On Thanksgiving 2022, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, he surprised her with a proposal that left her utterly speechless. Unbeknownst to Ariel, he had initially planned to propose during a birthday trip that she had canceled, showing her that love often has its own perfect timing. Nehemiah and Ariel's commitment to each other was solidified early on by pre-engagement counseling, a testament to their shared commitment to building a strong foundation for their future. Even before Nehemiah officially proposed, Ariel candidly expressed that he had a limited window of time to pop the question. Much to her surprise, he surpassed her expectations and, with immense joy, she said yes. __________ This love story is a testament to the unpredictable and beautiful ways in which destiny intertwines our lives. It's a story of connection, patience, and the perfect timing of love that has brought us to this moment – a celebration of our journey and the promise of a lifetime together.