It all started with a conversation about coffee… and Irving’s strong dislike for Starbucks (he’s a bit of a coffee snob, in case you didn’t know). What began as a simple conversation quickly turned into something more meaningful. Irving first noticed Bany at the church they both attended in Brentwood. He admired the way she worshipped and the kind of person she was. Wanting to get to know her better, Irving asked Bany if she would share her story. As they talked, they realized they had a lot in common and connected right away. Soon they started spending more time together. Irving took Bany to one of his favorite coffee shops which has now become one of her favorites too. From there, they kept hanging out: exploring different coffee shops, going to Giants baseball games, and going on hikes together. One hike in particular became pretty memorable. Bany had been talking about her favorite hiking spot, so one day they finally decided to go. Irving trusted Bany to lead the way… but about two hours in, Bany admitted she was lost. What was supposed to be a one-hour hike quickly turned into a four-hour adventure. Somehow, they still made it out smiling. Before long, Irving finally asked the big question: “So… are we gonna go for it or what?” And just like that, they officially started dating. Through every season of their relationship, one thing has always stayed at the center—Jesus. Worshipping together has brought them closer over the years and continues to be the foundation of their relationship. When it came time to propose, Irving did his best to keep it a surprise for about a month telling a few small lies along the way just to throw Bany off. On the day of the proposal, Irving told Bany they were heading to Monterey to visit their friends Cameron and Rebekah. But when they arrived, it was clear they were nowhere near Monterey. After walking for a bit, Irving finally turned to Bany and said he had something to confess… he had been lying to her for a while. Bany looked surprised and a little confused. Irving smiled and said, “We’re not going to Monterey, and we’re not hanging out with Cameron and Rebekah today… we’re here to finally make this forever.” And with that, he got down on one knee and asked Bany to marry him. Now they’re excited to begin the next chapter of their story together.