Seven years ago, we met at a church community gathering (of all places) and struck up a conversation. There were no sparks, no butterflies, no inklings of instant crazy chemistry, but it was clear—to both of us—that we'd found a new friend. We've always believed that people get several soulmates in life, and they usually come in the form of friends. Our connection, then, wasn't so much a mad rush into love as it was a slow-burning and gradually deepening friendship centered on long talks on development work, found families (and other emotional things that make us cry), and, above all, our shared love of food. Towards the end of 2019, right before the pandemic, we started obsessing over 'The Good Place' (still the best series ever), talking about faith, morality, philosophy, and why Rafa is basically a real life version of Chidi. We've been talking every day since. Not long after, Sam's closest friends began teasing her about her latest "abanger" (i.e., someone who waits for the perfect opportunity to make their move). According to his family, the normally extremely introverted Rafa would consistently be talking to a certain someone late into the night, giddy and animated. Amidst all the teasing and speculation, we grew—steadily and deeply—as friends, learning to know and accept each other, warts and all. In Sam's words, "I'll judge you, but from a place of love." So realizing we had fallen in love came as a surprise. Falling for each other was something that happened slowly, then all at once. Through every laugh, debate, and shared vulnerability, we realized that this was the person we wanted to spend the rest of our lives with—doing taxes, Sunday laundry, grocery runs, and all the little, mundane things that come with a life built together. Even after two years together, it still feels surreal at times. We often find ourselves joking, “Who would’ve thought?”—and then laugh, because the truth is, everyone knew. Apparently, deep down, so did we. We’ve always known we wanted to be in each other’s lives. We’re just lucky that we get to do so as lifelong partners, as husband and wife. Come, celebrate our love with us. 🤗🩵