Johnathan
+ Iyan
A CS major at Columbia and a fashion content creator at Barnard -
building something real through long distance, hard moments, and cherry blossom dates.
“To love is to be changed and to love is also to love someone as they are.”
The timeline
The beginning
Johnathan was dating his TikTok crush - a fashion model content creator who turned out to be the most amazing girlfriend. What started as a scroll turned into something real.
“To love is to be changed and to love is also to love someone as they are.”
The first laugh
Iyan called Johnathan funny. A small moment that became a cornerstone - two people who could make each other laugh, building something that would last.
Will you be my gf
Johnathan put together a package that said everything words alone could not: an 'I ❤️ DESMOS' shirt, snapdragon pale pink and freesia flowers, a gold star sheet, 70% dark chocolate with lava cake, a handwritten card, and his own hoodie. She said yes.
Dreaming together
Reflections on long distance and what it means to build a future across miles. Learning that dreaming together means holding the same stars in mind, even from different cities.
“Dreaming together without losing themselves.”
The storm
A major rumor and challenge tested everything they had built. They faced it together and came out the other side with trust forged stronger than before. Some fires don't burn - they temper.
Field day & visit
Field Day and Iyan's visit marked a turning point. The relationship moved from something special to something central - the daily rhythm of two lives beginning to interlace.
The relationship PIP
Johnathan designed a Relationship Performance Improvement Plan for himself. More affection, more gifts, more effort. A commitment written in code and carried out in the heart.
Wins on both sides
Career milestones for Johnathan and the news that Iyan got into Barnard. Two ambitious people leveling up at the same time - and choosing to do it together.
New year, new chapter
A reset. Choosing generosity as a practice and explicit communication as a discipline. The new year brought a promise to say what mattered, even when it was hard.
“The relationship always comes first.”
One year
Lunch at Momoya Sushi, browsing Soho, sharing cookies and exchanging gifts. A full year since two people decided to be each other's person. A quiet, perfect celebration.
Cherry blossoms & KTown
A refreshed date day under the cherry blossoms and through Korean Town. Another reminder that the best dates aren't elaborate - they're intentional.
Junior year reflections
Looking back on a year of massive expansion. A CS major at Columbia and a fashion content creator at Barnard, building a love that grew serious, deep, and real. Junior year was the year everything changed.
Will you be my gf
March 2025 - Johnathan poured his heart into a box. Inside: everything that said "I choose you."
Non-negotiables
His non-negotiables
Her non-negotiables
The vision
“Dreaming together without losing themselves.”
Building a life together in the city by the bay
Growing together on the same timeline
A venture that carries both their names
“The relationship always comes first.”
Happy 1 year anniversary Iyan - here's to many more.
Junior year was just the beginning.