Kayla and Darnel met in college at Azusa Pacific University the summer of 2009. They had mutual friends and Kayla saw something special in Darnel right away... so quickly friendzoned him. For a year, the friendship grew deeper until they got to the foreshadowing moment every romcom couple goes through before they fall in love! They oathed that" if not married by 30, we will just marry each other!" Then came the summer of 2010... something finally clicked... and they both realized... "hey my best friend is kinda hot." They fell madly in love. Darnel gave Kayla a beautiful heart shaped promise ring for Christmas 2010. Kayla knew, he was her forever. And like every fairytale, conflicts occurred, trials arised, and cloudy days were had, but through every chapter, God kept them close and Darnel and Kayla's love for each other grew more deeply with every year. YES! They have been on this adventure for almost ten years! On their bad days, they inspire each other to evolve and take steps in becoming better versions of themselves. And on their best days, Kayla gives him a gentle peace and Darnel brings out her childlike joy. They can't wait for you to join with them on their wedding day... full of peace and joy.

You would think after 9 years, a proposal wouldn’t be a surprise, but I. was. shocked! It was New Year’s Eve. My favorite holiday! There's so much excitement about what lies ahead on that day. It’s this special day of living so fully and wholly in the past, present, and future at the same time. And that’s what this proposal was for me too. With friends and family around at our first home together, he announced he wanted to give a toast. I thought that was so adorable. Still clueless. Then he says “but first can I have your hand, baby...” OMG! With all eyes on us, he kneels down and takes out the customized dreamy rose gold ring out of the box. I drop to my knees and say “yes!” There were so many tears. I was absolutely overwhelmed with emotion about how far we have come, how loved I felt in that present moment, and how excited I was for the future. It was my perfect New Years Eve moment. And just like that 5-4-3-2-1 we’re getting married!