Our Love Story

Her Story

On November 9, 2022, around ten in the morning, my phone lit up with a message I never expected would change my life. It was from a colleague I barely spoke with — a simple line that read:

“Belated happy birthday, Ma’am.”

Little did I know that those four short words would become the beginning of a love story I would one day promise to treasure forever.

That one message opened a door. A spark. A connection. From there began days — then weeks — of conversation that slowly turned into something

deeper, softer, and beautifully constant. We talked about everything — the little joys, our victories, our disappointments, and even the challenges we

both silently carried. And somewhere between the thousand messages, late-night conversations, shared laughter, and quiet comfort —we fell in love.

Our journey has not always been smooth. Some moments tested patience, understanding, and faith. But every trial brought us closer, strengthened our

bond, and taught us how love truly grows — not in perfection, but in the willingness to stay, choose, and believe in each other through every season.

We learned each other's hearts, celebrated each other's dreams, and embraced each other's differences. Together, we grew — not just as partners, but as better versions of ourselves.

I am endlessly grateful to the Lord for leading me to you — for giving me a love that feels like home. You came into my life like an answered prayer, an

angel in human form, bringing warmth to days that used to be quiet, and joy to moments I didn’tknow needed it.

Thank you for loving me — and for loving my daughter, Lalay —with gentleness, patience, and open arms. Thank you for choosing us every day.

Because of one message, one moment, we are here today — ready to stand before God, our families, and the world — to say yes to forever.

His Story

I still remember the day it all began for me — not with a dramatic moment, not with anything extraordinary, but with a simple work-related message on September 24, 2022.

It was the kind of message that usually comes and goes, something I would have brushed off without a second thought. Yet somehow... it stayed with me.

There was something about you —a presence I couldn’t define yet. We barely crossed paths, each of us moving through our own routines, but that one moment during general orientation, when you ended up sitting just behind me, and those rare hallway greetings — they lingered in my mind. It felt as if life was placing you close, softly, preparing me for something I wasn’t yet ready to understand.

Then came November 9, 2022. We passed each other in the hallway — just a quick greeting — but it felt different. Somehow, it always feels different with you.

Later that morning, I found out it had been your birthday the day before. I’m not sure why, but I found the courage to send you a simple message, even though we barely knew each other:

“Belated happy birthday, Ma’am.”

I didn’t expect you to reply, but a part of me hoped you would. And when you did, something quietly shifted — like the start of something I didn’t yet understand.

From that moment, our conversations grew — slow, natural, and steady. Day by day, night after night, we shared stories, dreams, childhood memories, experiences, the burdens we carry, and the funny, embarrassing moments we usually keep to ourselves. Somewhere between the laughter, the comfort, and the honesty... I fell in love with you.

Then I met Ellah Mae. I had known she had a little girl, and meeting her for the first time felt special in a way I couldn’t quite put into words. She was just two years old at the time. I remember wondering if she would even notice me... if she would ever let me in. But she did. Shyly, gently, with those wide, curious eyes, she reached out to me in her own small way.

And then came the moment I will never forget — the first time she called me by my name:

“Papa Tonton.”

It wasn’t just a word. It wasn’t just a name. It was trust. It was acceptance. It was love. In that instant, I didn’t just feel close to her; I felt chosen, welcomed, and seen. And as I watched you love her, care for her, and guide her, I realized even more the depth of the woman you are — kind, patient, wise, and full of love.

Of course, there were days that tested us — days filled with arguments, misunderstandings, and the pains of fighting. But through those struggles, I learned from you. You showed me the things I thought were right but weren’t, gently guiding me toward a better version of myself. You became my calm in the storm, my anchor, and the living reminder that love grows even in the hardest moments.

Before you, I was ready to give up on love, unsure if it was even meant for me. But you came into my life quietly, softly, like the answer to a prayer I wasn’t even sure was heard. And every day since, I choose you — not just because of the love you give me, but because of who you are, the way you see the world, and the life we are building together.

I am endlessly grateful to the Lord God for leading me to you... to both of you — for giving me a love that feels like home. You came into my life like an angel in human form, filling quiet days with warmth, turning ordinary moments into joy, and showing me a love, I never thought I could have.

Thank you for loving me and accepting me, even when I am far from perfect. Thank you for giving me the chance to be part of Ellah Mae’s life. Thank you for choosing me, every day.

From that first message, that quiet hello, that unexpected start... we find ourselves here today, getting married, ready to step into the days ahead —with you, and with the little girl who has touched my heart in ways I never imagined.

One small message began my journey.

One connection transformed my heart.

And together, we are starting a life filled with love, laughter, and all the moments yet to come — hand in hand, heart to heart.