Sophia recalls meeting Dion at Elmhurst University in their dorm's lounge area. Sophia was attempting to get some late-night studying in, while she recalls Dion being nothing but hilarious and highly distracting, and somehow in the most charming way. Sophia didn’t realize it at the time, but as soon as she met Dion that night, she instantly fell for him. She never believed that love at first sight really existed - but it did with Dion! Dion's sense of humor and constant silliness drew her towards him more and more everyday. It continues to act as a pillar in their relationship. She found herself always trying to catch a conversation with him in their dorm room lounge. As she would study, Dion would be playing UNO or Spades, and the fact that he was not so concerned about his workload, made her feel a little less stressed about her own workload (whether that's a good thing or not, she loved him for it!)

Dion remembers it a bit differently. He recalls meeting Sophia at Elmhurst University in The Roost, which was the late-night dining hall. He wasn't initially looking for love or a girlfriend at all, but quickly found himself embracing the idea whenever he was around Sophia. He initially appreciated her strong will and desire to excel in education, which guided most of their early conversations. Her ability to discuss difficult topics and engage in deep conversations about the world drew him to her. They naturally found themselves talking about where they saw their futures, aligned in their values. It seemed to be fate.

As their relationship developed, Sophia clearly became the woman for Dion. She constantly displayed unconditional love which Dion had never seen in a partner before. She truly displayed Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” This gave him the courage to desire an eternal partnership with her!

Over their past 10 years together, Sophia has learned that Dion is so much more beyond his charming hilariousness. Dion has recognized that Sophia is so much more spontaneous than he initially thought. Together, they are adventurous. When they lived in the city together, Dion would constantly convince Sophia to go on lakeview bike rides and jet skiing on the water, which Sophia learned were new hobbies that she absolutely loved. Throughout their relationship, Sophia learned that Dion is intensely determined, always working hard to recognize and take the opportunities that God has blessed him with, and now, determined more than ever to create joyful memories with Sophia and their daughter Leia.

We are so blessed and beyond excited to take these next steps!!!