Picture this: February 2021, downtown Los Angeles. Basil and Steph’s first date in the most unlikely coffee shop, tucked away in an industrial part of town. Was it a front? Who knows! But even with Basil side-eyeing Steph's dirty Jordans (a potential deal-breaker, folks), it was the perfect setting for them to sip coffee, matcha, discuss Jesus, and critique Wendy’s latest menu items.

Their first date highlighted the adventure that they were starting. Despite living on opposite sides of LA County (a commute that could test anyone's sanity), they easily braved it for each other. From hikes with Steph's German Shepherd, Toni (approval was crucial!), to exploring Culver City, to ending up at an Irish eatery in Seal Beach where Basil pointed out a blue French horn (a "How I Met Your Mother" nod that Steph did not know, but was told to store away in her memory).

They met at a crazy time of life – Steph a few months from graduating and juggling school, work, lacrosse, Mockrock commitments, Basil's career, frequent travels, and the unpredictable nature of LA traffic. But through it all, it was easy to make time for each other.

There love was simple, yet profound. Basil fell in love with the way Steph cared about people, her passion, and opinions on how to actually live out the ways of Jesus (he wanted to hear them all). Steph fell in love with Basil’s rare gentleness, incredible depth, and steadfast heart for Jesus (and all of his hot takes).

Basil got to see Steph graduate and meet all her family and friends (nothing like doing it all at once!). Steph travele to Pensacola to meet the parents and friends (shout out to Kishane and Damini’s engagement party making it easy to meet everyone at once). Friends were quick to notice that they had both found someone who was as passionate, loving, and rowdy as themselves.

After Steph moved back to Northern California to pursue her career with The City Peace Project, they embraced a long-distance relationship, flying back and forth every other week between LA and SJ, cherishing FaceTime date nights (cereal tastings, anyone?). Basil's lease ending led him back to Florida temporarily, but no matter the distance or time zones, spending time growing together was their favorite.

In August of 2023, Steph and her mom embarked on the trip of a lifetime with the Kuloba family to Kenya where Basil was born. They met more relatives than they could count! Who else can say their mom's first-time meeting involved a two-week trip to Kenya?

Upon returning from Kenya, Steph started her Master’s of Social Work at San Jose State and Basil moved to Northern California, finally ending their long distance and vowing to never do it again. They started building their new lives and community together, including frequent trips to the park to play pick-up with Toni and finding the sweetest church family in downtown San Jose at New Beginnings Community Church.

On March 1, 2024, Basil pulled off the most thoughtful proposal (complete with a blue French horn) for the girl of his dreams, and through many tears of joy, she said YES!!

Now, as they navigate wedding planning, grad school, work, and life's adventures together, Basil and Steph continue to cherish every moment. Because amidst the many things life has thrown at them, their love remains the sweetest constant and they are committed to a Christ-centered relationship. Oh, and they still do their Wednesday Night date nights!

With all our love,

Steph & Basil