It all started with a swipe. Autumn had settled over the Bay, painting the hills and valleys in rich, warm hues. The aroma of baked goods and spiced drinks wafted from the city’s beloved cafes, enticing passersby to pause and savor the season. The Golden Gate Bridge, bathed in the soft glow of autumn light, stood tall as a symbol of connection—a perfect backdrop for what was about to unfold. Cuffing season was in full swing. “I hope she swipes right,” Luke murmurs in his sleep. “Oh! He looks cute. AND he’s got faith,” Gabrielle says with a smile. That night the Author was at work.

Initially, they were both skeptical. Despite matching on Upward, Gabrielle was determined not to message Luke first. She had her principles—she would NOT be the one to make the first move. Luke, on the other hand, was completely stunned. He stared at his screen in disbelief, starstruck and flabbergasted. He had matched with a girl like Gabrielle, and it left his mind racing with excitement. But Luke wasn’t one to let this chance slip—he shot his shot. The conversation started off slow, a few messages a day. But two days later, when Gabrielle finally shares her number, Luke couldn’t contain his excitement. He beats his chest and punches the air in triumph. On September 3rd, 2023, the day they first started talking, Luke wrote in his journal, “Gabrielle maybe? Don’t wanna get my hopes up lol. Oh gosh, I looked at her profile, and I can tell she really loves God.”

Luke had mastered rizz over text, but one question remained, would it translate to in-person charm? On September 9th, 2023, Luke, with nerves running high, embarks on the journey across the Bay to meet Gabrielle for the first time. Butterflies swirl in his stomach as he sits on the train, the hum of the city life gradually fading behind him. He watches as the scenery shifts: warehouses and graffiti-adorned buildings give way to green spaces, serene parks and the rolling hills that define the East Bay. It was as if he was approaching greener pastures. After Ubering the last mile, Luke steps out of the car and greets Gabrielle. Things start off a bit shaky—awkward small talk, nervous laughter—but soon, the date blossoms. They break the ice, share genuine laughter, enjoy each other’s company, and even take a moment to pray over the meal. The hours slip by unnoticed. As she drives him to the train station, Luke turns to her and asks, “Did you have fun today?” She smiles. Getting out of the car to say goodbye, Luke, feeling a surge of confidence, moves in for an embrace—a twinkle in his eye, his step feather-light. And Gabrielle, without missing a beat, sidesteps the interaction, opting instead for a quick pat on the shoulder. “I’ll talk to you later,” Luke says, though his voice quavers slightly.

As the weeks passed, Luke and Gabrielle’s connection deepened. On September 24th, 2023, they made it official. They spend their days texting and calling each other until they fall asleep, sharing the little details of their life. Each conversation brought them closer, forging a bond that neither anticipated. Even though it had only been a few weeks, Gabrielle had a gut feeling—he was the one. The memory of the awkward first date hug faded into the background, paving the way to something far richer—a connection built on trust, humility, empathy, sacrifice, forgiveness and pure unadulterated physical attraction. But as the saying goes, nothing gold can stay. One morning, Luke wakes up with an overwhelming fatigue that makes even getting out of bed feel impossible. A series of doctor visits confirms his worst fear: he has a chronic illness that leaves him weak and dependent on others. Terrified that Gabrielle would see him as a burden, he keeps the news to himself. But the more he thinks, the harder he cries, for he knows what he has to do. “Not my will, but Yours,” he whispers. Staying with her would be selfish—she deserves so much more. Tears streaming down his face, he prepares himself for the hardest decision of his life. Luke pours his heart into a long message to Gabrielle, explaining his fears, his illness, and why he thinks it’s best for her to move on. After pressing send, he stares at his phone, willing it to buzz with her reply. But the day drags on, the minutes stretch into hours, and the screen remains blank. Gabrielle’s silence is deafening. Just as Luke’s resolve begins to crumble, his phone lights up, and his heart skips a beat. His breath catches as he fumbles for his phone, steeling himself for her response. “Luke,” she breathes, “I need to use your bathroom.” Confused, Luke echoes, “My bathroom? But… you’re an hour away.” The realization hit him as he races to the door, emotions swirling inside him. Heart pounding with anticipation, he opens it to find Gabrielle standing there, her eyes filled with warmth and resolve. Softly, she says, “Luke, I’m not going anywhere.” Before he can say a word, she steps forward and wraps her arms around him, pulling him into a warm, comforting embrace.

In the months that followed, Gabrielle remained unwavering by Luke’s side, a beacon of hope as he slowly recovered from his debilitating illness. Their lives had become intertwined—they met each other's parents, shared their dreams for the future, attended pre-engagement counseling, and even reached the point where they could fart freely around each other. The timing felt right to turn the page. On June 1st, 2024, as Gabrielle walked through the UC Berkeley campus after her graduation, she was filled with gratitude for God’s guidance through nursing school. But as they strolled for photos, her heart raced when her best friend asked for her bag, and she noticed Luke handing off flowers. Is this really happening? She took Luke’s hand, feeling the familiar warmth and roughness, reminding her of all they’d been through—late-night conversations, shared prayers, and laughter. When they reached the setup Luke had planned, Gabrielle’s breath caught. The scene was like a dream—roses in vases, candles, a custom picnic blanket, and a serving board with charcuterie and champagne. A letter board stood nearby, simply asking, “Wanna go out forever?” Friends who had helped create the moment stood nearby. As Luke’s trembling voice expressed his love, he dropped to one knee, ring in hand. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in a bubble of pure joy. Surrounded by loved ones and flashing cameras, they embraced, anchored in the moment. Driving to the dinner venue, Gabrielle admired the ring, replaying the proposal in her mind. Upon arrival, she found a patio transformed into an engagement celebration, the setting sun casting a warm glow. Surrounded by laughter and love, Gabrielle knew this was the beginning of a new journey—one filled with love, faith, and the promise of forever.

As we eagerly anticipate our wedding day, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to God, and to our cherished friends and family who have been our pillars of support on this journey. It is a true honor to share this special moment with you, and we hope that our love story serves as a reminder to treasure the special moments in your own lives. “​​Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”