We’re getting married!

Aryana and Andrew met as 19-year-olds on the campus of the University of California, Riverside. While sparks didn’t fly right away, Andrew played the long game—and thankfully, persistence paid off! . As conversations turned into connections, their bond began to grow. In those early days, their relationship blossomed quietly amid the late-night study sessions, campus walks, and everyday rhythms of college life. Everything shifted in 2020 when the pandemic hit. With Andrew returning to the Bay Area, they were suddenly thrust into a long-distance relationship. Faced with uncertainty, they had to confront a difficult question: were they committed to building a future together, or would distance slowly pull them apart? Despite the miles between them, Aryana and Andrew found creative ways to stay connected—watching movies and shows together over FaceTime, sharing long phone calls, making dinners “together” from afar, and most meaningfully, growing in their faith. It was during this time that they became involved with The Navigators, a Christian campus ministry that played a pivotal role in their spiritual journey. Through this community, they learned how to read the Bible, pray intentionally, and grow in their relationship with Jesus. In 2021, they both made the life-changing decision to dedicate their lives to Christ. They describe this as a defining moment, not only in their individual faith journeys but in their relationship. It was through understanding the depth of Jesus’ love that they began to love each other more selflessly and intentionally. Even in the early years, they knew they wanted to spend their lives together. They prayed earnestly for God’s guidance, trusting that He would bring them into marriage in His perfect timing. During this waiting season, they focused on completing their bachelor’s degrees and furthering their education. Then, just two days after Aryana graduated from college—on May 17th—Andrew proposed. It was a beautiful answer to years of prayer and faith. Now, with full hearts and deep gratitude, they are thrilled to step into the next chapter of their journey: marriage. After years of seeking God and trusting His timing, they are seeing His promises fulfilled in real time.