Our Story
"Two hearts, one journey, forever intertwined"
Six months - that is how long we overlapped at Northwestern University in 2019. Looking back, it is remarkable to think that before a lifetime together, we only shared a city for half a year. Our journey began when we first met at a small church group, led by a close friend, and from our first "date" at a cozy Tapas spot on campus, we both sensed a special connection that bridged our different backgrounds, cultures, and personalities.
Our early conversations sparked a fascination with each other's perspectives on the world, which quickly grew into deep admiration rooted in shared values: commitment, intentionality, and a desire to live for Christ. Our love story spans two continents and four years of separation, during which we grew individually and spiritually, trusting that God's timing is perfect. Being able to celebrate our big day with friends and family despite the time and distance is a true testament to His steadfast love and provision.
After Northwestern, Yufan moved to Boston for research, while Charlotte returned to Hong Kong to complete dental school. What started as casual check-ins soon turned into long conversations and a visit to Hong Kong, where Yufan gathered up all his courage to ask Charlotte out (thankfully, she said yes). Yet after just a few short months that included travelling to Malaysia and Boston together, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we were suddenly thrust into a season of uncertainty. Navigating a long-distance relationship amidst border closures, unpredictable reunions, and diverging career paths, we realized we were not ready to handle such challenges yet and needed to grow in maturity and grace.
In the years that followed, we each individually experienced tremendous highs and lows, as God opened a difficult, but miraculous path to medical school for Yufan and provided for Charlotte throughout her toughest years of dental school. We experienced moments of pride and regret, but through it all, we were reminded time and time again of one unwavering truth: God is faithful.
Reconnecting after our separation, we were confident that our foundation in Christ remained strong. We learned more about each other's cultural nuances and personality differences, growing in patience and understanding. Yet, what remained unchanged were the core qualities we cherish - of kindness, perseverance, and faith - that continue to deepen our appreciation for one another.
The past few years, especially in a post-COVID world, have been a blessing. We have had the joy of sharing experiences that we were previously only able to talk about over texts and calls: exploring each other's childhood homes, meeting families and friends, discovering favorite local spots, and savoring delicious foods we had only been able to admire in the many pictures we sent each other. Supporting each other through milestones (Yufan completing medical school and beginning residency, Charlotte graduating from dental school and earning her Master's) has been an immense source of delight and gratitude. During Yufan's final year of medical school, we were able to spend many wonderful months together, witnessing firsthand how we reflect Christ's love through both small gestures and big sacrifices, and how we support each other's dreams and hard work.
To become engaged was a big decision, but one that came about so naturally as we reflected upon how much God has provided in our relationship, and that in each other, we have found who we want to spend the rest of our lives with. What a privilege it is to love and be loved by one another, and how grateful we are that we are now at least a little closer to being in the same city.
Thank you for being a part of our story. We are so excited to celebrate our wedding day with you!
