Our first date was a day filled with anticipation and a little bit of nervous excitement. We met at Jetfuel Coffee, where we both ordered coldbrew coffee. I was admittedly a bit nervous, trying to make sure everything was perfect, but Grace, ever the calm and composed one, was as relaxed as could be. After enjoying our coffee, we decided to take a walk through the beautiful Riverdale Park. As we strolled through the park, talking and laughing, any nervousness I had quickly melted away. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and it was during this walk that Grace spoke about her faith. I was captivated by the way she shared her beliefs—her faith came across as so genuine and sincere. It was in that moment I felt a deep connection, knowing that our shared faith would be the foundation of something truly special. As the sun began to set, I couldn’t resist asking Grace to extend our time together with dinner. To my delight, she agreed, and we continued our evening with a wonderful meal, sharing stories and getting to know each other even more. It was one of those evenings where everything just felt right. At the end of the night, I walked Grace home, feeling a sense of contentment and excitement for what the future might hold. Little did we know that this would be the first of many incredible moments together, leading us to where we are today—preparing to say "I do" and begin our forever journey as husband and wife.

The day Kevin proposed was one of those perfectly ordinary yet unforgettable moments. He picked me up from my apartment, and with my dog, Ksana, in tow, we headed to Cherry Beach. It was a beautiful day, and the beach had this calming vibe that made everything feel just right. Kevin had planned a very special banh mi inspired picnic. We sat on the sand, enjoying the food and each other's company, with Ksana occasionally sniffing around for crumbs. It was simple, relaxed, and lovely. After we finished eating, Kevin casually mentioned that he had something special for dessert. I was expecting maybe a sweet treat (perhaps cheesecake!), but instead, he pulled out a small box and handed me a piece of paper. On it was a handwritten poem that read at the very end: "Will you marry me and be my wife to share in this blessed beautiful life?" I was taken by surprise, and before I could fully process it, Kevin was down on one knee, holding out a ring. In that moment, it felt like the world slowed down, and everything else faded away. My heart was pounding, and I couldn’t help but smile as I said "yes." Ksana, oblivious to the significance, was busy still trying to catch a bite of our picnic. It was a simple, heartfelt, and perfect proposal. We stood there on the beach, holding each other, knowing that we were taking the first step towards our future together.