It all started at a neighborhood bar, just a short walk from where we both lived — though we didn’t know it yet. Ivan was still in college, and Grace was working full-time as a veterinary technician. We hit it off that night and were surprised to find out we lived just a block apart.

Not long after, Grace became close with Ivan’s roommate and started spending time at their place regularly. What started as casual hangouts with friends slowly turned into something more. Grace found herself looking forward to seeing Ivan — and Ivan made a habit of walking her home at the end of the night. We started hanging out more and more, and by the fall, we were officially dating.

Like many great love stories, ours hasn’t been without its challenges. At one point, we went our separate ways due to differences in beliefs. But even apart, something kept pulling us back to one another. During that time, we both came to share the same values — not through influence, but through our own growth. A few months later, we reunited with a stronger bond and a clearer purpose.

In February of 2025, just before Valentine’s Day, Ivan proposed. Since then, we’ve been building our life together — buying our first home and dreaming about the future side by side.

We’re so grateful for every step that’s led us here, and we can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you.