Braden & Zoya

October 10, 2026 • Cortez, CO

144 Days To Go!

Braden & Zoya

October 10, 2026 • Cortez, CO

144 Days To Go!

Our Story

Coming to Grand Canyon University from a different state was scary, but I remember everyone telling me, “College is where you’ll meet your lifelong friends.” Holding onto that, I went in with an open mind and tried to put myself out there, though it wasn’t easy at first.

On the last weekend before classes began, we met by chance at a campus coffee shop. From there, our friend group grew, but we always made an effort to build our own friendship. From late-night movie nights to football Sundays, we slowly grew closer.

As time went on, we shared so many unforgettable experiences, like going to more than ten concerts together, Zoya learning how to wakesurf, and making the most of spontaneous nights. One of those started at Topgolf, where Braden taught Zoya how to do a burnout (questionable, but memorable). From there, we drove around with no real plan, windows down, listening to our favorite music. Somehow, we ended up in downtown Phoenix, renting scooters at 2 a.m. and laughing the entire time. At the time, we were just friends, but looking back, those were the moments that quietly built something more.

Our entire first year of college was filled with memories like this, long before we ever started dating.

It wasn’t until our second year that things became something more. Since then, our love has grown exponentially. Built on a foundation of friendship, we trust that our marriage will continue to grow through the grace of Christ, and we are so excited for all that is ahead.