We're Getting Married!

Jodi and Shaheda’s friendships began on social media, in 2015, as many contemporary friendships do. A “like” here and “comment” there lead to them exchanging numbers and developing a platonic friendship through text and video chatting over the following two years. They were always there for one another and building each other up in the Lord, and when one of Jodi's cousins passed away, Shaheda was truly a helpmate to him, helping him get through that devastating time. The love he felt from her during that difficult period, made it clear to him that he couldn't see his life without her in it. However, Jodi lived in New York and Shaheda lived in California, and Shaheda was unsure how a long-distance relationship would work for her, especially with her fear of flying. But Jodi felt strongly that the reward would be worth the risk and he reassured her that they could make it work. He kept his word, and they met in person for the first time when Jodi came to see her for her birthday in August 2017. Fast forward to 2019, where evidence of Jodi’s kind and considerate nature can be seen when he asked Shaheda's parents if he could have their daughter's hand in marriage. In the following months he visited jewelers’ stores 3 to 4 times a week, before finding the perfect ring for his perfect girl. Jodi, with the help of his friends, planned the proposal for December 2019. He was able to incorporate the proposal into their planned gift exchange game, somehow strategizing for her to pick the gift with her ring in it. He was anxious as he anticipated her opening the gift and him asking her to make him the happiest man in the world by accepting his proposal. And she lovingly said: YES!