Our Story
Some love stories begin with a spark. Ours began with a game.
In the summer of 2019, Nozima and Justin found themselves in Seoul, South Korea, studying abroad at Yonsei University. Two separate friend groups became one, and during a late-night game of Mafia on a school trip, fate quietly stepped in. Justin stayed hidden as the last remaining "mafia," while Nozima, certain of the truth, tried to convince everyone else. When the game ended and Justin revealed himself, Nozima smiled and said, "I told you all."
It was the first of many moments where she saw right through him.
A simple game of Mafia in Sokcho quietly set destiny in motion. Neither of them knew this night would change everything.
From that night on, their paths kept crossing. They wandered palace grounds in hanboks, shot arrows at Robinhood Archery Café, ran through Busan's rain during typhoon season, and chased adventure all the way to the Philippines. They laughed over late dinners in Itaewon, celebrating the end of summer with friends and memories that felt too special to fade. What started as coincidence slowly became connection.
Wrapped in silk and tradition, Nozima and Justin wandered the palace grounds of Gyeongbokgung, their story just beginning in the heart of Seoul.
Side by side, they tested their aim at Robinhood Archery Café, unaware they had already hit something far more meaningful.
With the ocean breeze in Haeundae and friends by their side, laughter filled the shores of Busan.
A spontaneous weekend in Manila turned into memories they would carry forever.
Over warm plates of Uzbek cuisine in Itaewon, they celebrated the summer that brought them together.
When the summer ended, distance followed. Justin returned to California. Nozima went back to New York. As the world shut down in 2020, their friendship stayed open. Through Zoom calls, late-night games, and long conversations, they learned each other's stories, dreams, and hearts. Somewhere between Los Angeles sunsets and Brooklyn nights, friendship quietly turned into something more.
On November 26, 2020, Justin invited Nozima to visit him in Los Angeles. At sunset in Malibu, with the ocean glowing gold, he gave her an "Our Adventure Book" inspired by Up, filled with memories of Seoul and the promise of more to come. Along with it was a Tiffany & Co. heart locket, and a simple, hopeful question.
The years that followed were filled with miles, memories, and moments that shaped them. They traveled the world, grew through the distance, leaned on family and friends, and built a love that only deepened with time.
One year down, a lifetime to go.
Two years of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Three years strong, celebrating under Miami skies.
Four years of adventures, sealed with sunsets in Barcelona.
Then, on December 14, 2024, Justin brought their story full circle. Back at Yonsei University, where it all began, he asked Nozima to spend forever with him. Surrounded by the echoes of their first summer together, she said yes again.
Dressed in hanboks, they honored the place where their story first unfolded.
In Kyoto, their love was framed by tradition, beauty, and timeless elegance.
Five years of choosing each other, celebrated in paradise.
Nearly six years after a game of Mafia changed everything, Nozima and Justin are ready to celebrate their love on October 30, 2026, in Cancún, Mexico, with the people who have walked beside them every step of the way.