We met on January 18th, 2020 at Parkview Nursery at 4377 Chicago Ave in Riverside, California. Lucian was working at the cash register when the most beautiful girl he had ever seen walked in.
We moved from Riverside to San Diego in 2021 so Ngara could pursue her master's degree in medical physics. There, we adopted two cats named Lana Lee and Darlene.
Once Ngara finished her master's degree in 2023, we moved to Durham, North Carolina.
Lucian proposed to Ngara while we were in San Diego for the holidays in December, 2023.
Lucian's note to Ngara that started it all.Ngara's engagement ring.Our cats.
Vin Rouge
2010 Hillsborough Rd
Durham, NC 27705
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We are thrilled that you can join us for our special day! Please also join us for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Durham.
The Wedding
Friday, May 16th 2025 6:30 PM EST
The Museum of Life and Science
433 W Murray Ave
Durham, NC 27704
Google Maps
Ceremony begins promptly at 6:30 PM EST
The ceremony will take place inside the Magic Wings Butterfly House. The venue can be accessed through a gate at the northeast side of the main museum parking lot.
Do not enter through the main museum entrance.
The reception will follow immediately after the ceremony, and will take place on the butterfly house patio.
Cocktail attire is requested.
We've chosen to celebrate our special day in an intimate setting, surrounded by just our nearest and dearest friends and family. This intentionally small celebration allows us to create meaningful moments with each person who has played a significant role in our journey together. While we wish we could include everyone who has touched our lives, we're embracing this micro-wedding format to ensure we can truly connect with and cherish each guest's presence on our wedding day.
There are many cool things to do in Durham and we hope you enjoy your stay here. From serene nature trails to unique attractions, the Bull City has something for everyone.
Eno River
So many beautiful nature trails wind through the Eno River State Park. You can hike along the river, swim in swimming holes during summer, explore the historic mill sites, or just enjoy a peaceful picnic by the water. The Cox Mountain trail and Buckquarter Creek trail are local favorites.
More hikes in nature with over 50 miles of trails along the shoreline. Maybe you'll see a bald eagle soaring overhead or spot white-tailed deer in the woods. The lake itself is perfect for swimming, fishing, or kayaking. The Rolling View area offers great beach access and facilities.
A wonderful place to walk around and enjoy the scenery across 55 acres of landscaped and woodland gardens. Don't miss the stunning terraced gardens in spring when thousands of tulips and daffodils bloom, or the peaceful Japanese garden with its arched bridge and zen atmosphere. The gardens are free to visit and beautiful in every season.
The largest colony of lemurs outside of Madagascar, housing over 200 primates across 17 species. Take a guided tour to learn about these fascinating creatures and the center's important conservation work. Make sure to book in advance as tours often fill up quickly. The "Walking with Lemurs" tour lets you see these amazing animals up close in their natural habitat enclosures.
