It all began in sophomore year of high school when Sarah and Surya first met. They quickly became friends, sharing walks before first period and catching up about their days. Sarah would stick around after school to watch Surya play tennis, never imagining that those casual moments would one day lead to a lifelong partnership. It wasn’t until Christmas break that Sarah realized her feelings—after spending weeks apart, she found herself missing him more than she expected. Surya had known a bit longer, admiring Sarah’s determination, tenacity, and drive for adventure.
High school was full of moments that brought them closer together. Whether it was being in classes like AP Government or JROTC, attending OVLS summer camps, or simply encouraging each other to try new things, Surya and Sarah were always each other’s biggest supporters. Surya inspired Sarah to join mock trial and AP Government, where she discovered her passion for politics and activism. They pushed each other to grow, both as students and as people, laying the foundation for the team they would become.
On May 2, 2014, during their second year of high school, they officially started dating.
After high school, they faced the challenge of long distance as they pursued their individual dreams. For six years, Surya and Sarah traveled between Dayton, Pittsburgh, and eventually Philadelphia when Sarah began grad school. Staying connected wasn’t always easy, especially when they saw other couples navigating college together. But their commitment to each other never wavered. Between frequent text messages, video calls, and trips to visit one another during holidays and breaks, they found ways to bridge the distance. Virtual date nights—sometimes planning trips or playing games together—helped keep their bond strong. While being apart wasn’t easy, it gave them the space to grow individually and the joy of coming back together.
In 2023, it was time to close the distance. Sarah moved to Pittsburgh, finally bringing their lives together in the same city. This new chapter was filled with growth and adventure as they built their life in the Steel City. Over the next year and a half, they embraced this new chapter, supporting each other as Surya pursued his graduate degree at Carnegie Mellon University. In March 2024, just a few months before Surya's graduation, they planned a spring break trip to Las Vegas and Zion National Park—a destination that would forever hold a special place in their hearts. On March 8, amidst the stunning red rock landscape, Surya had a heartfelt surprise that would take their story to the next level.
The proposal was everything they had hoped for—private, heartfelt, and surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Zion’s red rocks. While Sarah had an inkling it might happen (thanks to some well-timed nail appointments and conversations about timelines), the moment itself still felt magical. With a handful of friends capturing the moment on camera, it was a day filled with joy and love. It took an hour or two before they got cell service to call their families, but the reveal was amazing. They spent the next day basking in their excitement, just the two of them and a small group of friends to celebrate with. But Surya had more surprises in store. When they returned to Pittsburgh, Surya had planned a surprise engagement party with both their families and closest friends. After celebrating with everyone, he revealed there was another surprise: dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, followed by an engagement photo session at Sarah’s favorite place in Pittsburgh—Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Every detail reflected their love and thoughtfulness for each other, making it a moment they’ll never forget.
Their next big step brought them to Boston, a city brimming with history, community, and opportunity. It was the perfect fit for both their careers and their shared love of adventure. Whether exploring the cobblestone streets, diving into board game nights, or planning their next trip, they’ve created a life filled with laughter, love, and discovery. Looking back, some of their favorite memories include spontaneous adventures, like the time they were supposed to go bowling in Boston but ended up with new piercings instead, and the serendipitous comedy show they stumbled upon that evening. They also treasure the big moments, like their trip to Puerto Rico, where they swam down waterfalls and learned to surf, and of course, the Vegas and Zion trip where their engagement story began.
Sarah admires Surya’s ability to light up a room, his intelligence, and his (mostly) good sense of humor. Surya loves Sarah’s passion, drive, and the way she always puts her heart into everything she does. Together, they share a deep commitment to making their corner of the world a better place, driven by their shared values of community and kindness.
From their first high school walks to the bustling streets of Boston, Sarah and Surya’s journey is a story of growth, perseverance, and joy. They’ve faced every twist and turn together, building a partnership that’s as fun as it is strong. As they look ahead to this next chapter, they can’t wait to celebrate their journey—and the exciting road ahead—with all of you.