We first met working alongside each other at the Orangewood Foundation for different young adult programs. Jalil one day, without notice, shared with me it was his last day at the foundation as he was pursuing his Masters degree as a Marriage Family Therapist. Months passed… then on IG he posted graduation photos. I reached out to congratulated him and suggested we “catch up”. 🥰 We set a date a week out. No contact between, lol. Then the night before Jalil messaged me to confirm our plans. We then had our first date over sushi at ROL 🍣 That date ignited a light for our future as we shared similar passions, hopes and desires for ourselves/careers. During the first few months of dating we came to the mutual desire and curiosity to reconnect with our faith as Catholics. Jalil suggested we check out St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church near him in HB. We attended our first mass in September 2023 (photo below is of that day 🥹)… since then we attend weekly mass, participate in parish activities, and Jalil joined the 10am choir 🎶 Then God as our only witness he proposed to me in the church courtyard after the Easter Vigil last April 💍⛪️ In July 2025 we welcomed our beautiful son, Gabriel. Baby brother to Damian and Julian…uniting us to a family of 5. Our love for each other, our families and God has only grown stronger. We have come to understand what the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony entails and have a urning to rejoin the church as a married couple. We are excited to celebrate our holy union in-front of you all and God. ❤️