We're getting married!

Miya and Israel’s love story began in the most unexpected of places—a high school math class at Lakeridge. Miya was new to the school and often sat by herself, quietly adjusting to her new surroundings. One day, Israel decided to walk over and start a conversation. With his warm smile and a game of Jenga, he made the first move that would change both of their lives forever. What started as casual chats and shared laughs quickly blossomed into a friendship. Shortly after Miya’s 16th birthday, she mustered the courage to share her feelings with Israel. However, he told her he wasn’t ready for anything beyond friendship at the time. Despite this, their bond only grew stronger. When Miya lost her dad, their connection deepened even further. Israel became a source of comfort and strength for her during one of the hardest times of her life. She remembers vividly the day she returned to school after her loss—Israel was the first person she saw. In that moment, she thought, *he’s my person.* Their late-night FaceTime calls turned into spending more time together in person, and on December 18, 2015, Miya and Israel officially became a couple. Now, nine years later, they are thrilled to finally be tying the knot. Their journey from teenage friends to life partners is a testament to the power of patience, understanding, and unwavering support. ❤️