It was never an easy journey — and maybe that’s what made it beautiful. From the very beginning, our story was written not in comfort, but in faith. There were delays, detours, tears, and moments we didn’t understand. But through it all, one thing remained clear: everything happened by His will.

It was August 2012 — a friend’s birthday. The kind of celebration that didn’t need grand plans — just laughter, stories, and the sea breeze to wash away the stress of exams and deadlines. We were all just college kids back then, chasing dreams during the day and chasing the wind at night. Someone suggested we go to Puro, now “Sawangan” — our favorite spot to unwind, to breathe, to feel young and free.

Another friend asked if it was okay for his “cousin” to come along. And then he arrived. Still in his school uniform. Backpack slung over his shoulder. Fresh from class. Quiet smile. Introduced briefly, casually — just two names meeting in the middle of a noisy birthday gathering.

No sparks flying.

No dramatic slow motion moment.

Just two strangers in the same place at the same time.

After that night, a friend request appeared on Facebook. And then came the chats. Simple conversations at first. “How was your day?” , “Did you eat already?” ,“What are you doing?”

What started as casual conversations slowly became something to look forward to. Messages turned into late-night talks. Late-night talks turned into confessions of dreams, fears, childhood stories, favorite songs.

He found himself smiling at his phone.

She found herself waiting for his replies.

And then, one day, he gathered the courage. He pursued her — not in grand gestures, but in consistent effort. In showing up. In listening. In choosing her, day after day. On October 10, 2012, they became official.

Until life tested them. College pressures. Personal struggles. There were misunderstandings. Tears. Moments when pride was louder than patience. Times when giving up would have been easier.

They witnessed each other becoming who they were meant to be. They once planned to get married on their 10th anniversary. It felt perfect — a decade of love sealed with forever. But life had other plans. Delays. Unexpected turns. Closed doors.

Now it’s 2026. Thirteen years since that simple birthday night. Thirteen years since a boy in uniform with a backpack walked into her life unnoticed. Thirteen years of laughter, tears, growth, and choosing each other over and over again.

This year, they will finally tie the knot. Not because it was easy. Not because everything went perfectly. But because through every season, they stayed. They learned that love is not just kilig and butterflies. It is commitment. It is patience. It is faith. It is holding hands when things fall apart and believing that together, they can rebuild.

From August 2012…

To October 10, 2012…

To 2026.



Thirteen years of choosing. Thirteen years of growing. Thirteen years of trusting His perfect timing. And this is only the beginning. Because the boy with the backpack and the girl who was too busy chatting that night? They didn’t just find each other. They found home.