"Everyone always says you should marry your best friend... I'm so very happy that I get to do just that." - Beena
It was 15 years ago when Beena and Peter first met at UCSB.
"She was a girl clearly in love, and I was a little hesitant at the intensity of the vibes she was sending my way... As you all know, I'm a bit shy," Peter said, describing the first moment he met Beena.
Unfortunately, Beena has a different story.
"One weekend, a few of our friends planned a trip to Magic Mountain. Peter lived near me so picked me up and we drove together. If you guys know Peter you’ll know he, one way or another, gets more information out of you than you were ever planning on telling him. In the hour car ride back to campus he somehow manipulated me into becoming his best friend," Beena said.
"From that point on I have shared some of my happiest, saddest, and most rewarding moments with him."
As getting to know both of them, a small reminder has surfaced in my head; true friendship is the foundation of a great relationship and is an investment of time spent learning to communicate and assessing your compatibility. We don't typically choose to have friends we have nothing in common with, instead, our friends are chosen based on respect, the fun we have when we're together and whether their values are similar to our own. With these criteria, Beena and Peter absolutely have the essence of what makes any long-term romantic relationship successful. Such a great honor documenting their special day!
BIG BIG congratulations!! Woohooo!