WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!

Zion met Hilary his freshman year at FIU during a Christian midweek service on campus - it was his first time there. The first thing that drew him in was that she was wearing a t-shirt of a department on campus in which he had applied for a job. On approaching her, what drew him in was her voice and he wanted to talk to her more, but she barely gave him the time of day.

It was as if they were the only two people in the room. Zion was officially making Jesus the Lord over his life and Hilary could not contain her joy - she started crying. She'd say it was because of an answered prayer, Zion would say his sauce was beginning to marinate.

After a couple months of friendship, Zion was not being as subtle in his interest. They went on a double date (shoutout Keith and Casandra) but basically did things Hilary would love - they even got smash burgers. From that date, she knew Zion was interested but...it still took some time.

It took some time but he was making some progress. They did a bible lesson together and through a simple phrase - "I love what I do" - Hilary was starting to give the eye to the guy.

If we did the day Zion cried, that would take MULTIPLE stories. So instead, this is the time his cheek twitched - it was the day he asked Hilary to be his girlfriend. Hilary dreamt of being asked out under the stars. They live in light pollution city so instead, Zion asked friends to stand on a bridge above them with sparklers. The night was perfect. He surprised her with a poem, but with every sentence, his cheek jiggled. Nonetheless, it was the first time she said yes,

Their dating relationship has been one for the books. From traveling, and supporting the Youth and Family Ministry, to graduating with their degrees. It wasn't perfect, but it was special and it was them. They've watched each other grow and they grew together in their love - it's been over 4 years to date, and they can safely say they are each other's best friends.

Funny enough, Zion snuck over to her house to ask her family for Hilary's hand in marriage - and his cheek didn't twitch! He wasn't nervous - he knew what he wanted and it was to spend the rest of his life with his best friend. With the help of her family, all of their friends, and many more - they pulled off the surprise of 2024. She had no idea and you can see that from the video. Waking up at 3:30am on December 7th was worth it to hear one of the best "yes". Watch the video ;)