We Got Married 5•26•24

He was a striker and she was a grappler.... Some might say it was a little Romeo and Juliet situation. Ariel and Mahalia's romance bloomed over the smell of sweaty boxing gloves, jiujitsu mats, and breaking the rules at Nashville MMA, a martial arts gym where they met. The rule was employees were not supposed to date members, not only was Ariel a member but he was on the fight team, while Mahalia trained and worked at the front desk. The first four months of their dating relationship was kept a secret from everyone at the gym while they navigated through the first stage of their relationship and asked for prayer from their inner circles on where this relationship might lead. They spent this time deep diving into foundational topics and falling head over heels in love. Officially becoming a couple in October 2022, they professed their romance to the world! A year later, in October 2023, Ariel proposed. She said sí! They both feel overwhelmingly blessed to have a partnership that has grown so naturally. ~ Ariel is currently working diligently at The Gideons International. And yes, Mahalia still works for Nashville MMA. They enjoy the outdoors, craft nights, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family. They call Restoration Church their church home and are looking forward to continuing to grow their faith alongside not only their families and communities but each other. They are looking forward to celebrating their union with you as a witness! ~ The couple humbly asks you to keep them in their prayers during this engagement season as one of the biggest blessings you can give is spiritual support. ~ "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6