Our story started all the way back in 2014. Cute little 11-year old Dima first saw 10-year old Kari walk out on the stage in a dress rehearsal of Seussical the Musical Jr. presented by Stage Struck in her little blue Gertrude McFuzz outfit. To this day, Dima’s mom, Nina, still comments how she had never seen her son’s eyes pop out like the way they did in that moment. Throughout the next several years, Kari and Dima attended the same youth group at Temple Baptist Church and grew up together as friends in Hattiesburg, MS. Dima had a huge crush on Kari all throughout middle and high school; however, Kari was more focused on her friendships with other girls and her commitments. Dima was brave sometimes. He even sent a long detailed text to Kari in 2019 when he found out Kari was moving to Brandon, MS. He expressed his prayers for their move and told her how he really felt about her. Kari thanked Dima for his honesty and she soon moved to Brandon a few months later. We kept in touch but it was not until 2021 that we reconnected at Dima’s graduation ceremony at his house in May. After the graduation we started FaceTiming and texting more often. Because of that, our friendship grew stronger and stronger over the summer of 2021. In August, Dima asked Kari if she wanted to start dating and she told him she needed some time. So, after a couple of months, Kari told Dima it felt right to start dating and that she was ready for that commitment on January 29, 2022. We have been dating ever since and got engaged on November 11, 2023! We are in awe of the Lord’s plan and orchestration of our story that has led us to a forever covenant that starts on December 15, 2024. We look forward to celebrating with all of you!