This narrative is simple; it is of two best friends falling in love. We met in Junior High but didn’t start a friendship until sophomore year. One of us (ahem, Dominic) rejected the idea of a romantic relationship then but got his act together about a year later. Once we started dating, it was evident there was something exceptional between us. God had been in the background directing our paths to meet. We were blessed to grow up side-by-side through ministry and attending school. Our story is one out of a fairytale, which is ironic because we are highly realistic and grounded people. The love between us withstood the trials of life and never waivered. Life would change and shift around us, but we were each other’s constant. The magic that typically faded over time with other couples had never lost its spark between us. We are excited to start this new life together as partners and do our best to make a difference in the world around us. And what better way to tackle life than with your best friend?

Dominic drove Shayna to a local park where they loved to explore and relax in their hammocks. He led her by the hand on a path, and as they approached a break in the woods, Dominic suggested they see if their old spot was still there. Around the corner, Shayna didn't notice the eucalyptus leaves scattered along the ground beneath her feet (which she would later learn were placed intentionally). Something in the distance caught her eye, so Shayna quickly stopped and told Dominic someone might be out there. He insisted they trek on and practically pulled her to where she would eventually realize this was all, in fact, planned. A path of horizontally laid sticks led to a large woven picnic blanket surrounded by twinkling lights. On the blanket laid a leather book, raspberries, a bundle of lavender, and a round wooden box. Dominic lovingly guided her to this magical scene. He got down on one knee and proposed with a ring made by his own hands. The leather-bound book contained a timeline of photos through the past 5 years together. The day was perfect, intentional, and hand-picked, specifically for Shayna.