I first met Nalana at church in the Summer of 2024 when she introduced herself to me. I didn't really know what to say to her because I was trying to eat and leave as soon as coffee hour was over. This visit was not anticipated. After meeting her I did not think that we would be more than acquaintances. After months of running into each other and hanging out in young adult church group, I became comfortable enough to speak with her. I considered her as only a friend. On a Wednesday during Lent, after Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, my mom, Martha, whispered, "That girl is really pretty. You should go for her." I bluntly said "No shot. I wouldn't have a chance, and she probably does not like me." On April 14th, 2025, I came up to Nalana to ask her how she's doing and complement her chanting. During our conversation she mentioned that she was moving away to Michigan. I was devastated because our church was going to lose such a beautiful voice and a great chanter. On April 20, 2025, after Pascha, I briefly talked to Nalana after service and I realized that I no longer saw her as the girl at the chanter stand, but as a beautiful and wonderful woman that I liked. A week later, I decided to ask her to go on a date with me. I proposed to Nalana on December 29th, 2025.

In the summer of 2024, I started noticing Thomas attending services at Ss. Peter and Paul regularly. He was always on time, stood up straight, dressed well, and demonstrated extreme respect for the church and for others. I had tried to introduce myself to him, but his short answers and reserved nature seemed to indicate that he wasn't interested in talking to me. Still, we interacted in the young adults group and I continued to admire his respectful attitude and kindness towards others. In late March of 2025, we had a few conversations after Lenten Pre-Sanctified services. These conversations persisted into Holy Week, and I found myself enjoying his company (and staring at him for too long). I would also be remissed if I didn’t mention that our friends and the youth group kiddos also were very intrigued by Thomas’ and my conversations, which only made me more flustered and interested in him. On Thomas' feast day, I wished him a happy feast day. But, to my delighted surprise, he also asked me on a date, even though he knew I was moving. I was beyond excited and even called my mother while she was on a cruise off the coast of Lisbon, Portugal. It was the first time anyone had formally asked me on a date! On May 18th, 2025, Thomas finally asked me to be his girlfriend. I haven't stopped smiling in his presence since.

In short, we started out as acquaintances and slowly became friends. Once we started dating, we noticed our shared interests and enjoyment with little adventures. Our love grew quickly, and we pursued each other even across thousands of miles. It was apparent that our relationship was blossoming into a serious and beautiful commitment that overcame time and distance. Through prayer and careful guidance from family and spiritual mentors, we prepared ourselves for a future together. Before the end of 2025, Thomas asked, "will you marry me?" and Nalana couldn't stop saying "yes, yes, yes!" as she hopped all the way home. We are thrilled to celebrate our wedding with our family and friends in the Fall of 2026!