How He Asked | Ivana + Samuel

As Ivana and Samuel reflect on their love story, they recognize the supernatural reflections in their human relationship. The path couples walk together toward marriage, although imperfect, remains a symbol of the greater reality of God’s eternal desire to call us to himself.

In Ivana’s Words: Samuel and I met during a night of salsa dancing. One afternoon, after a year of friendship, we realized how well our values aligned and decided to pursue a romantic relationship. We prayed together in front of the Blessed Sacrament at the Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park, California, and felt that, at last, this was the right time for our relationship to begin. 

From that moment on, we intentionally discerned marriage together. Towards the end of dating, before engagement, I prayed a 54-day rosary novena asking Mary to guide us if God was calling Samuel and I to marriage. I asked her to help us be holy, joyful, and pure in our relationship. About two months after finishing my novena, Sam took me back to the same church where he asked me to be his girlfriend. This time he knelt down before me and asked me to be his wife!

God's love is divine and mysterious. We cannot put a limit on his capabilities or an impenetrable box around our human frailties. He will always see our weaknesses and desire to be our strength. 

Likewise, the path to marriage is sometimes messy but also beautiful and transformational, if you choose to let God into your relationship. A woman and man choosing to give their lives to one another and walk together toward heaven is a beautiful sign. It is an earthly reflection of the mysterious way God is always inviting us back to himself.

Photography: Cecile Basnage