I still remember the first time I saw Yasha in person. It was at a friend’s get-together, and I had no idea she’d even be there. Before that, I only knew her as “the girl on Instagram that could dress.” I knew she lived in the area because we had mutual friends, but I never really thought I’d meet her face to face. And of course, like any normal guy who sees a pretty girl on social media, I shot my shot a few times and didn’t really get anywhere… but hey, that was just part of the plot lol. But the second I saw her in person, I just knew. Not that I wanted to marry her yet, or even that I loved her. I just knew I wanted to get to know her and I wanted her to get to know me. She was even more beautiful in person, effortlessly stylish like always, but what really stood out was her calm presence. She didn’t say much, but she didn’t have to. There was just something about her. If I’m being completely honest, she’s the only thing I remember about that whole night. I didn’t even talk to her because I was shy, but I told myself the next chance I got, I wasn’t letting it pass. Ask Mikey, he’ll tell you. I said, “Next time I see her, I’m asking for her number.” We ran into each other a few times after that, but the timing was never right. Then months later, I saw her again while visiting my friend’s 2024 regional convention, and I definitely wasn’t expecting that. She was the last thing on my mind that day. But when she walked past me in the auditorium, I knew I had to make something happen. Thankfully during lunch, we were all outside taking pictures, and I finally got my chance. Hands down, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I remember walking away trying to play it cool, but inside I was hyped. From that day on, talking to her just felt easy like we’d known each other forever. We exchanged numbers, and there hasn’t been a day since that we haven’t talked. I knew she was special, I just didn’t realize how special. She’s everything a guy could ask for in a Christian woman: spiritual, supportive, loving, kind, considerate, and of course, as gorgeous as can be. She pushes me to be better and brings so much peace into my life. There’s no doubt in my mind that proposing to Yasha was the right choice, and I thank Jehovah every day for her. She’s everything right in a world with so much wrong. I can’t wait for the day I officially get to call her my wife and spend the rest of my life with her. Marrying her will easily be the best decision I ever make. She truly is my greatest blessing and I love her so much.

Through mutual friends, I had known of Bryson for a couple of years before getting to know him. I saw him around at a couple of different events, and we occasionally messaged back and forth on Instagram. I always thought he was so cool and so handsome! But I never realized he was interested in me romantically. At the 2024 Convention, we spoke for a bit and took some pictures together. Afterwards, we exchanged phone numbers and started texting later that day. Our conversations quickly went from just small talk to deep, meaningful, and thought provoking. I could tell he was genuinely interested in what I had to say, and made me feel heard. That’s when I realized: maybe this is more than just a friendship. He invited me to his first public talk, which was at the end of that month. In the meantime, we kept in contact everyday, either through texts or phone calls. Him and his friends even came to Busch Gardens with me, my parents, and my friends (he won me a giant stuffed bear this day). A couple of weeks later, we went on our first official date- making pottery. We ended up hanging out everyday for the rest of that long weekend. By then I was already so comfortable with him, and felt I’d known him for so much longer. He was so sweet and such a gentleman, and made me feel so special. This past year flew by, and before I knew it, we were having a picnic on the beach celebrating our anniversary. Over the course of this past year, through different activities- cooking together every week, family worship, long walks, roadtrips, and talking on the phone almost every night- I’ve come to see what a truly amazing person Bryson is. He is such a spiritual, thoughtful, considerate, attentive, and caring man. He never fails to make me laugh. He’s always there when I need him, and has gotten me through so much with his love and support. He is truly a light on even my darkest days and has become my best friend. He is everything I could’ve asked for in a man. I cannot wait to have him as my husband and to love him forever.