Once upon a time... there was a boy and girl who came from two very different worlds but only lived one town apart. The story of Matt and Jeena is one that neither of them could have predicted or expected. Far from conventional, it is one of hope, perseverance, and inspiration. As fate would have it, the collision of their worlds began in high school. Jeena sat behind Matt in math class during their junior year and they spoke every day. What started out as a classroom friendship soon took an interesting turn. Pre-Calculus became the class they both looked forward to the most, which was unheard of for typical highschoolers. As the ending of the school year drew near, Matt was saddened by the possibility of not being able to see or talk to Jeena over the summer. He worked up the courage to ask for her phone number and was delighted when Jeena obliged. The delight was short lived, since Jeena would be traveling to India for a month to visit family. For four agonizing weeks, Matt could not speak to Jeena and eagerly awaited her return. From the other side of the world, Jeena secretly hoped Matt wouldn't forget about her. Upon returning, Matthew quickly reached out and Jeena was surprised by his consistency. As the summer went on, they texted daily and learned of each others hopes and dreams. Eventually they admitted their fond feelings for one another. Jeena explained to Matt that her family would not take kindly to her dating, especially in high school, and that they would have to operate with a certain level of stealth if they were to start a relationship. Still newly smitten, Matt took no issue. They began dating their senior year and even went to Prom together. However, nothing could have prepared them for the adventure that would unfold. As their feelings and relationship deepened, so did the conversations of family, cultural, and religious responsibilities. Words and topics such as Knanaya, endogamy, and abandonment, very strange to Matt's ears, became unavoidable discussion. Soul searching ensued along with difficult conversations and evaluation of their feelings for one another. Family pressure and suspicions mounted through the college and graduate school years, as their relationship was still unbeknownst to many. Happily ever after did not seem like it would be a part of their story. But in spite of everything, their love endured. Matt loved Jeena for everything that she was. Her genuine kindness and caring for other people could not be overlooked, not to mention the fact that he thought she was so incredibly pretty. He had found someone who cared for and loved him and was not ready to let that go. Jeena, highly conflicted, loved Matt too. She saw someone she could depend on, someone responsible and mature beyond his years. They shared very similar values of family, faith, and others. She could not discount his ability and determination to love her even in the face of ever-growing challenges. Fast forward a few more years. The roller coaster ride of their relationship was entering its apex. It would take nothing short of a miracle to conquer the strenuous pressure they faced. And then came the confession of a lifetime. After seeking counsel with specific individuals, Matt and Jeena knew it was time to take a leap of faith. After years of stress, heartache, and heartfelt prayer, it took the aid of an unsuspecting Achen(Priest) to provide the opportunity for their story to finally be told. And the rest is history. With approval from Jeena's parents, Matt proposed on Sunday, June 25th 2023. Filled with overwhelming joy, love, and appreciation Jeena said "YES" while surrounded by both their families and closest friends. A day both of them dreamed of for years finally became reality. Although this love story has been in the making for 12 years, this is only the beginning. We cannot wait to celebrate our special day with you on October 6th, 2024!