Every love story is unique, and ours is our favorite!

July 6th 2021 — Where It All Began – Sulawesi, Indonesia
Our story began on the beautiful island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. In a place neither of us expected, God brought our paths together. It was more than coincidence—it was preparation. Our friendship started, though our time was brief: just two weeks. But our meaningful friendship had begun.

2021–2023 — A Long-Distance Friendship
Over the years, God worked quietly in our hearts. Though separated by more than 9,000 miles, we remained connected—through messages, video calls, and shared prayers. What seemed like a simple friendship slowly deepened into something precious, something rooted in expectancy.

Late 2023–Early 2024 — Something Was Changing
We felt God was bringing something new to us. At the same time, something began to change between us. We didn’t know what it meant, but we both sensed it. A new chapter was stirring. Was God asking us to take a step we hadn’t thought of?

March–April 2024 — Questions, Asking God, Waiting Together
Could we pursue a relationship from across the world? Where would we even meet again? What was God inviting us into? With more questions than answers, we turned to the only thing we knew—prayer.
And yes! God saw our hearts.

May 8th 2024 — Peace in the Unknown
Without clear answers, we received something better: peace. A gentle, quiet assurance to step forward in the relationship, trusting that God was already holding the rest.

May 20th 2024 — An Open Door
An unexpected opportunity came for us to reunite—God was making a way.

May–August 2024 — Prayers for a New Season
We prayed for our next step, sensing that Thailand was where God was leading.

September 9th 2024 — Reunited in Thailand
We met again—this time in Thailand. Not only did we enjoy precious time together, we also served side by side in ministry. It was a season of confirmation, joy, peace, and deeper connection.

September–December 2024 — Peace for the Next Step; Peace to Promise
As we sought God together, peace grew in our hearts. It became clear: we were being led toward a deeper commitment—to build a life, a home, and a calling together.

January 11th 2025 — She Said Yes!
We’ll never forget the moment in a peaceful garden by a beautiful lake in Chiang Mai. Matthew knelt down and asked Ika "Maukah kamu menikah denganku?” ("Will you marry me"). She said “Yes!” Together, we stepped forward, trusting God with every step of the journey ahead.

March–April 2025 — New Beginnings
Ika returned to Salatiga. Matthew made the decision to move to Indonesia. Together, we began preparing for the next chapter.

Now — Preparing for marriage 
With excitement (and a few spreadsheets!), we began preparing for our wedding—grateful for all that has been, and hopeful for all that’s to come.

July 6th 2025 — A New Chapter
Exactly four years after we first met in Sulawesi, we will stand before God, our families, and friends to say, “Yes, I do.”

Yes to a lifetime of love.
Yes to grow together.
Yes to pursue God’s purpose as one.

We can’t wait to celebrate this beautiful and joyful moment with you.