FROM FIRST LOVE TO FOREVER

We met as teenagers in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood. Michael (known by family and friends as “Mikey”) was a senior at J. Eugene McAteer School of the Arts. Nyoki was a sophomore at Phillip & Sala Burton High School.

From the beginning, we were best friends. We talked for hours on the phone and met up at the park, the library, and the Omega Boys Club—anywhere we could spend time together.

Nyoki wasn’t supposed to be dating. And we certainly weren’t supposed to fall in love. But we did. And we became each other’s first loves.

THE PROM THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Nyoki wasn’t allowed to go to Michael’s senior prom. Michael, unsure how to explain, took a neighbor. When that neighbor began telling others in the neighborhood that he was her boyfriend, the news shocked and hurt Nyoki. At the same time, Michael believed Nyoki had pulled away.

We both stopped calling. No conversation. No closure. Just silence and heartbreak.

PATHS WE WALKED ALONE

Life moved forward.

Nyoki went to law school and became an attorney. Michael attended culinary arts school and became an Executive Chef and Director of Food and Nutrition.

We raised thirteen children between us—six by Nyoki, seven by Michael. Our lives were full, layered, and meaningful. But the memory of that first love never truly faded.

A MESSAGE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Years later, by chance, Michael crossed paths with one of Nyoki’s cousins. This time, he didn’t leave it to fate. He reached out.

One message turned into an eight-hour conversation. And just like that, everything changed.

Somewhere between that first conversation and the moment we saw each other again, we knew this wasn’t just a reconnection. It was our forever finally arriving.

COMING HOME TO EACH OTHER

Since that day, we’ve been inseparable.

We’ve traveled, grown, laughed until we cried, and built something lasting. We sit side by side during long workdays, AirPods in, sharing the quiet joy of simply being near each other.

What began as teenage love returned deeper, wiser, and more beautiful than before.

A BLESSING AND A PROMISE

Michael’s mother, Marcia Sims, had known Nyoki since childhood and shared long-standing ties with her family.

When we found our way back to each other, Marcia embraced our love with warmth and open arms. Before she passed two years ago, she gave us her blessing. It was a quiet, meaningful moment we’ll always carry with us. Her love and support reminded us this wasn’t just a reunion—it was a return to something that had always been waiting.

OUR FOREVER

We were best friends then. We’re best friends now. And this time, we’re choosing forever.

Now we’re building a life filled with peace, partnership, and joy. A life where the love we found as kids finally gets to grow up with us.

“My love, there’s only you in my life. The only thing that’s right. My first love.”

— My Endless Love

N&M

Ceremony & Reception