Every great love story has its own unique beginning – and ours started with a family connection. Maddy and Sapphire were workmates, and one day Sapphire casually mentioned that her brother, Isaiah, had his eyes on Maddy. Naturally, Maddy brushed it off. Then came the work Christmas party. After a fun night, Maddy ended up on K Road while Sapphire, wanting her to return to the party out South, tried convincing her to come back. But Maddy, ever the budget queen, couldn’t justify a $100 Uber. As luck would have it, Isaiah was working security at a club nearby. Sapphire insisted he pick Maddy up and bring her back. And so there we were – Maddy in her reindeer hoodie, sitting next to Isaiah, making small talk on the ride home. When Isaiah asked, “What school did you go to?” Maddy shot back, “Why do people always care about that? You wouldn’t even know the school if I told you.” Isaiah, trying to keep it light, replied, “I was just trying to be nice.” Naturally, it escalated into a playful argument. At one point, Isaiah jokingly threatened, “Don’t make me leave you in the Waiuku Tunnel,” to which Maddy, ever the firecracker, replied, “Do it! I don’t care.” But thankfully, with Sapphire’s disapproval echoing in his mind, he didn’t leave her there. And the rest, as they say, is history. There have been plenty of laughs and a few tears, but one thing has remained constant – us. This wasn’t a love story that happened slowly, or all at once. It just was. Seven months later, we were engaged. Now, we’re preparing to step into forever. We can’t wait to be united in the eyes of God and begin this next chapter as husband and wife. We’re inviting you because everything we are is built on the moments, memories, and relationships we’ve shared with the people we love – that means you. Thank you for being such an important part of our story. With love, The soon-to-be Vaivelas