Liz: Let me take you back to 2019, a year that would mark the beginning of our extraordinary journey. Grace Community Church had called me to help lead their services as a guest worship leader, and it was there that I first encountered David. He was requested to play the electric guitar and sing tenor for the worship team. Now, full disclosure, I couldn't resist the temptation to sneak a peek at his online profile, and, well, he turned out to be quite the eye-catcher. But hold on, my initial expectations took a nosedive when we met in person. David came across as cold, rude, and, for lack of a better term, a bit of a spoiled brat! Yes, you heard that right, he had a certain air about him that didn't sit well with me at all. However, amidst a congregation predominantly composed of amazing Caucasians, I found an unexpected connection with David, rooted in our shared Asian culture. And beyond that, something special happened when our voices harmonized on stage. Musicians know that feeling, that chemistry when you just click with someone, and the trust that blossoms when you lead worship together. And so began our journey, two friends who would pour their hearts into leading worship at Grace for the next four years. But on a personal level, I was on a path of healing from past traumas, hurt, and bitterness. Before stepping into the role of worship leader that season, I felt the need to be single and discover more about who God was calling me to be. I asked the Lord to close my eyes to any potential romantic distractions, and He answered my prayer faithfully. Somewhere in the midst of all this, my best friend's sister got married. Since David, Julia, and I often hung out as a trio (I had this rule about not being alone with boys, thank you Julz), I invited David to accompany me as my wedding date. Little did I know that David had developed deep feelings for me by then. When I asked him, he interpreted it as my way of hinting at a romantic relationship. So, within the following week, he mustered the courage to ask me out, only to have his heart broken when I turned him down. David: Yeah, that was a tough one. To cut a long story short, I realized that losing Liz from my life, even as a friend, would be more painful than her rejecting me romantically. So, I set aside my feelings, and we both embarked on building a beautiful friendship. In that time, she became one of my closest friends, and we supported each other through our academic endeavors and continued doing ministry. Liz: After I completed my studies, I began to feel a desire to explore the world of dating. Although there were a few proposals that had come my way, there was an inexplicable feeling that I couldn't shake off—I simply wanted to be around David. So, for once, I decided to follow my instincts, refrain from overthinking, and agreed to go on a date with David after two years. That evening, he treated me like royalty, showering me with compliments and making me feel like a million bucks. He pursued me relentlessly, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to provide for what I desired. Funny enough, he challenged me in an exciting way. As I sat across from him that night, a profound certainty settled within me—I knew I was going to marry this man. He asked me the question, and with a heart full of happiness and peace, I accepted his offer to be his girlfriend. The rest, as they say, is history. David: We weathered some challenging seasons at the outset of our relationship. There were moments when we felt utterly hopeless. But God, in His infinite wisdom, was shaping us through those trials, forging our bond, and making us stronger. We cannot thank Him enough for His faithfulness. That difficult season stands as a testament to our love, a testament that assures us that with God's strength, we can overcome anything life throws our way. The past season has been a mere chapter, one that feels like it's passed in the blink of an eye. We look forward to this next one <3

David isn't great at keeping secrets, so let's start there. Liz had a feeling when her friend Joy contacted her two weeks ago about a "women's empowerment shoot" that it might involve a proposal from David. However, on the morning of the big day, Joy surprised her by saying they'd be doing the shoot in robes. Liz nearly canceled because a robe photoshoot wasn't her thing. But Joy and Julia did a great job explaining it, and Liz reluctantly agreed. As she saw photos of the "bridesmaid" robes, Liz thought David probably wouldn't propose that night, considering the attire would be odd especially not in a hotel room. Meanwhile, David was busy setting up a beautiful proposal on a terrace near their favorite spot, the Water Table at the Hyatt Regency in Lake Washington. Joy and David had planned their entire day, including getting their nails done, preparing Liz for the big moment. When they arrived at the hotel, Liz still believed they were heading to their photoshoot. However, as they entered the room, Liz noticed a familiar photo of her and David, and it suddenly dawned on her and her emotions hit her like a brick. David had orchestrated a perfect surprise! The room was filled with photos from their journey together. David, as handsome as ever, was waiting for her. He met her halfway, hugged her, and Liz tried to compose herself. Then he led her to the terrace, where everything was ready. While most of what David said remains private, one thing touched Liz deeply. A few years back, when they were tighter on finances, Liz had created a DIY box with "wishes" for David's birthday. One of the wishes reading, "This is your free wish, make it amazing." David after sharing his heart, pulled out that wish, knelt down, and asked Liz to marry him. Tears welled up, and Liz said YES! But there were more surprises in store. Liz's family came out, including her cousin Ruth, who had flown in from Wisconsin. Then, Dilya, another close friend, revealed she wasn't in Texas as Liz thought. The room was filled with more dear friends, and it was clear that David had meticulously planned every detail. They laughed, toasted to the future, and had one of the best nights of their lives. Liz couldn't help but thank everyone who had made this proposal one of the most memorable moments she'd ever experienced. It truly was one of the best nights of their lives. David did that! haha