Some love stories begin with a grand romantic gesture. Ours started in Grade 5.

When Luca transferred to St. Timothy Elementary School at 10 years old, he and Avriel ended up in different classes — but somehow still became inseparable. Between summers spent running through the neighbourhood and hanging out with friends, they quickly became best friends. Although, to be fair, Luca and the boys may have taken advantage of the fact that Avriel’s house was the only one with an inground pool… occasionally sneaking into the backyard when she wasn’t home. Their secret swims didn’t always stay secret though — Nana and Papa famously caught them one day while checking on the house.

Even back then, there was always something there. A crush that neither of them really admitted out loud. That is, until Luca finally worked up the courage to ask Avriel out at their Grade 8 graduation dance.

Life carried them through high school surrounded by the same big friend groups, but timing had other plans. It wasn’t until Grade 12 chemistry class — yes, the chemistry joke writes itself — that everything changed. Sitting beside each other every day brought them back together in a different way. Then came one simple text message while Avriel was away touring McGill in Montreal:

“What did I miss in class?”

Neither of them knew it at the time, but that text changed everything. From that point on, they talked every single day.

Only a week before Halloween, they realized neither of them had costumes and decided to make a trip to Spirit Halloween after school. They never did find costumes, but they did share their first kiss when Avriel dropped Luca off afterward. Not long after, they officially started dating — and they haven’t stopped choosing each other since.

University took them to different schools — Luca to Western University and Avriel to Wilfrid Laurier University — but distance never stood a chance. Before long, Avriel transferred to Fanshawe College, and the two continued building the life they had always naturally fallen into together.

Over the years came countless memories, milestones, and adventures. Then in 2022, in true spontaneous fashion, they signed the lease for their very first apartment together. Just three weeks later, they added another member to the family: Vader, their dog, who quickly became the centre of their world.

On July 17, 2024, while on a family trip to Vancouver, Luca proposed to Avriel during a hike together. After so many years of memories, growing up together, and building a life side by side, it felt like the most natural “yes” she’s ever said. That night, they celebrated with the people who mean the most to them — their families — making the day even more unforgettable.

Now, after years of friendship, love, growing up together, and building a life side by side, they cannot wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of their favourite people this August.