Our Story
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The beginning
Answer
We met at Colorado Christian University in January 2024. We were in the CCU cafeteria, where a simple “hello” changed everything. From that moment, we started getting to know each other, and it quickly became clear that what we had was something truly special.
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The unexpected
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We soon realized how much we had in common—both of us grew up in Minnesota/Wisconsin, our families later moved to Arizona, and somehow God brought us together in Colorado through our shared love of sports. What began as a quick greeting turned into something far greater than we ever expected. Our first date was at the golf course… and it poured rain. Instead of ruining it, we laughed the entire time, completely unfazed. That’s when we knew something about this was different. A couple months later, Bennett asked Raya to make it official, and that’s when our story really took off.
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summer of memories
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That summer, we spent time in Arizona together and saw each other more than we expected. We also traveled to the Midwest and met each other’s families for the first time. Those moments showed us how naturally our lives fit together and how much love and support surrounded us.
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Balancing life
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When Bennett’s senior year began, life got busy—baseball, golf, and classes filled our schedules. But we always made time for each other, whether through quiet nights, long drives, or simple moments. We learned that even in busy seasons, our relationship could grow and thrive. Bennett's graduation marked the end of one chapter and the start of another.
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growing through distance
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Long distance became part of our journey, but instead of pulling us apart, it did, and continues to strengthen us. We learned how to communicate better, support each other more deeply, and value the time we share.
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Looking Ahead...
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As we look ahead, we’re excited for what’s next. Bennett will begin chiropractic school in May, Raya will graduate, and together we’ll step into a new season filled with growth, faith, and adventure. From that first “hello” to the life we’re building, we’ve learned that the best part of life is sharing it together.