We're Getting Married!

They were living in two separate worlds, walking past each other in a crowded parking lot… and that’s when Elijah fell in love (just kidding 😂). It wasn’t that easy, ladies! What really happened was this: Elijah and a few of his homeboys wandered over to where Emmerald and her friends were hanging out at the tailgate. Elijah immediately noticed Emmerald (though he’ll insist it wasn’t romantic at first), and struck up a conversation by asking if she was Habesha. Emmerald, on the other hand, was instantly taken—finding Elijah incredibly handsome—but she played it cool. As conversations flowed between the two friend groups, the afternoon took an unexpected turn into a full-on bread fight in the middle of the parking lot. After the tailgate, they stayed in touch, and before they knew it, two friend groups became one—true brothers and sisters. What followed were the moments that make college unforgettable: late-night study sessions, brunches hosted together, birthday celebrations, and traditions that still live on today—like their annual summer trip to Tahoe. It was a season of friendship, laughter, and truly enjoying the beauty of young adulthood. Over the next five years, Elijah and Emmerald stayed connected, creating memories and growing closer in ways they couldn’t yet name.

While still in college, in 2021, Emmerald turned her life back to Christ. She fell back in love with Jesus and fully devoted her life to the Lord. During that season, she and Elijah stayed in contact—just not as frequently. Life was shifting, and so were they. After college in 2023, Elijah gave his life to Christ—and everything began to change. Now just know… a LOT happened before Emmerald was seen in a different light, but we’d be here all day if we unpacked all that. In the middle of pursuing the Lord, Elijah remembered that a close friend (who also happened to be Emmerald’s friend) went to a church nearby. He felt led to visit T.I.P Ministries… and that’s where things really shiftedAs they grew closer in community and in Christ, the Lord slowly removed the “just friends” lens. Elijah began to see Emmerald for who she truly was—beautiful, mature, soft, brilliant, and fully a woman of God. At first, he was in denial. After five years of friendship (and plenty of history), these new feelings hit different. Then came December 31, 2023—New Year’s Eve service at T.I.P. As Emmerald worshiped, Elijah felt like a spotlight from heaven was shining directly on her. Time slowed down. His stomach dropped like he was on a roller coaster. And in his head he said, “Yeah… you love her, bruh.” A week later, he pursued her with clear intentions—and they’ve been walking in love ever since. 🤍