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Fun fact! Before they started dating, Grace had actually mistaken maybe three other people for Isaiah. The phrase "love at first sight" does not exist here. While Isaiah admits that Grace caught his attention way before he caught hers because he thought "she was the most beautiful person" he's ever seen, Grace did not ever remember Isaiah in their group hangouts. But lo and behold, Grace's lack of good memory ended up benefitting Isaiah plenty: he had ample opportunities to make a good "first" impression. Fast forward to March of 2019. Grace posts on Facebook about her mission trip to Iraq, and Isaiah (until today, will still defend that his only motive was to try to become FriEnDs) slides in her Messenger DMs, with absolutely no emojis or emotion, asking to know more. Grace is so captivated by this encounter that the first two times she schedules to meet up with Isaiah on campus, she completely forgets. Finally, she suggests a dinner in Westwood, and Isaiah is elated. As they walk to Northern Cafe, Grace accidentally calls Isaiah's legs "skinny", thus reigniting his motivation to hit the gym (later on, this would come in handy). In accidental vengeance, Isaiah suggests a meat-free dish, since Grace was fasting meat for her mission trip; it turns out to be the worst possible choice, as it makes her tongue and she couldn't taste anything else. But that's okay because it leaves plenty of room for conversation. The whole night, there is nothing but laughter and vulnerable conversations; both Grace and Isaiah are thinking, "Wow, I've never met someone quite like this before." Grace goes on her mission trip and comes back declaring to the whole world that she needed to be single to do God's ministry (oh boy). Isaiah is unfazed, and rather, is even more determined to win her heart. He quickly does so by supplying her with endless meal swipes, agreeing to be her 6AM workout partner, steadfastly encouraging her with prayer and Scriptures, and holding thought-provoking conversations that challenged her faith (in the best way possible). They start dating, and three years of food adventures, Zoom dates, and so many laughter-filled moments later, they're tying the knot! It would've never been possible without God's kindness and grace. This long-distance relationship proved to be the faith-pruning fire that both Grace and Isaiah needed. We're so grateful to our church families and friends for pouring into us and exhorting us all this time; we can't wait to celebrate with you this June!

Thank you for your love all this time, and praise God for His perfect and steadfast faithfulness!