From the very beginning, Bukky and Niran’s story has been written by the Author of love Himself. As they look back on how God brought them together, they are reminded every day of His faithfulness and perfect timing. Just as Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” They truly believe that Christ is the center of their relationship, binding their hearts together, and guiding them every step of the way. Their story began in the most befitting place–their church, where they are both members of the same ministry. It was a Sunday Thanksgiving Service, and Bukky’s family had a special Thanksgiving that they were bringing forth. While everyone was busy taking pictures after the service, Niran saw an opportunity to pull Bukky aside to ask her about the scheduling of an upcoming church program that they were both apart of. As the preparation for that church program was underway, Bukky and Niran’s communication continued to grow deeper. Their short text messages began to increase to long phone calls. They talked about a wide range of things, from logistics for the program to shameless banter about their personal lives, their favorite foods, the quirks of their professions, and their dreams for the future. One thing they both agreed on was the importance of privacy. Jesus sought for solitude through privacy and prayer in order to prepare Himself for ministry. Since family is “the first ministry of God”, Bukky and Niran vowed to keep their season of “friendship and courtship” private as they prepared for the beginning of their “ministry of family”. They wanted to build their foundation quietly, making sure they knew every handprint going into the concrete—theirs, and most importantly, God’s. In their season of being private, they had Bible study sessions, which always seemed to end with ice cream and long walks in the park where they were certain not to see familiar faces. Their friendship grew deeper with every conversation, every shared prayer, and every inside joke. They learned to listen not just to each other, but to God’s voice, trusting that His plan was unfolding exactly as it should. There were moments when they’d look at each other and just knew—God was weaving their stories together, one thread at a time.

Fast forward to the week of Valentine’s Day—a week that would change their lives forever. Niran, ever the romantic (and maybe a little bit of a planner), decided it was finally time to propose to his best friend, the love of his life, Bukky. He told her he’d be working late on Valentine’s Day, so they wouldn’t have much time together. Instead, he suggested they celebrate a little early with a special dinner. The day finally arrived. Niran picked up his lovely date, and together they headed to a beautiful steakhouse. Niran had been there just days before, briefing the staff on his romantic plans. When they arrived, the hostess told them there’d be a short wait for their table, which gave Niran just enough time to put his plan into action. As Bukky wandered off, admiring the restaurant’s gorgeous décor, Niran quickly retrieved a bouquet of flowers he dropped off earlier that day. He walked up behind her, bouquet in hand. Bukky, sensing his presence, turned around to find herself face-to-face with a beautiful arrangement of red and pink roses. She thought it was a sweet gesture for their pre-Valentine’s Day celebration—until Niran dropped to one knee. In that moment, surrounded by the soft glow of the restaurant lights, the quiet buzz of anticipation, and strangers in the restaurant gasping with awe and surprise, Niran poured out his heart. He confessed his unwavering love for Bukky, his gist partner, his lover, and the one God had chosen for him. Without a moment’s hesitation, Bukky replied to his “Will you marry me?” with a resounding, joy-filled “YES!” As they look forward to building their life together, they remain committed to keeping Christ at the center. They know that the foundation they’ve laid—one of faith, friendship, privacy, and love—will stand the test of time. They’re excited to continue this journey, hand in hand, trusting in God’s perfect will for their lives.