Shiv and Jayna's story began in December 2014 at a wedding in Australia. Arriving just a day apart, their paths entwined as they met each other from opposite sides of the groom’s family.

A highlight of their initial connection was the family and friends dance at the wedding reception. In the days surrounding the celebrations, the families and friends who had travelled from near and far came together several times. WhatsApp groups were created to coordinate this, creating a shared space that played an unexpected role in Shiv and Jayna's journey.

Once back in London after the celebrations, Shiv, with a bit of digital curiosity, found Jayna's number in the WhatsApp wedding groups. He took the initiative, reaching out to Jayna, and their conversations unfolded over the following months. By September 2015, Shiv and Jayna were in a relationship.

At first they wanted to keep things quiet, but unexpectedly, Jess spilled the beans to Shiv’s dad and Shiv sent flowers to Jayna, signing the card with his name. So it wasn’t long before the secret was out, sooner than anticipated.

Over the years, Jayna became acquainted with Shiv's family, and Shiv a little more slowly, integrated into Jayna's family. Seven years into their journey, Shiv, following the saying that any friendship exceeding the 7-year mark is likely to last a lifetime, proposed, sealing the promise of a lifetime together.

S&J