Sometimes, the best love stories start long after graduation with a few DM’s and some help from Milken friends.

For Jennie Arad ’07 and Matthew Durlester ’08, their paths first crossed in the hallways of Milken Community School, but it wasn’t until years later that their mutual best friends, fellow Milken alumni Gabi Hurwitz ’07 and Ross Gasmer ’08, decided to play matchmaker. A few Instagram messages and some friendly encouragement later, Matthew asked Jennie out on November 17, 2023 and by their first date three days later, the spark was undeniable. “When I saw him walk in,” Jennie remembers, “I thought, ‘Wow, he’s even cuter than I remembered.’”

Milken’s influence runs deep in their story. “Milken really shaped who we are, both individually and as a couple,” they share. “It gave us a strong sense of community and Jewish identity, which has carried into our relationship.” Jennie’s passion for teaching was inspired by her time at Milken; she’s now a beloved nursery school teacher at Wilshire Boulevard Temple Mann Early Childhood. Matthew, a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors, still credits his Milken experience, the friendships, values, and sense of purpose, for much of who he is today.

When asked about their happiest Milken memories, Jennie recalls the Colorado River trip and hosting pre-prom during her senior year, while Matthew fondly remembers senior week and the excitement of basketball games. These experiences helped shape their sense of friendship, leadership, and community that still carries into their lives today.

Their wedding, held at Jennie’s parents’ home in Beverly Hills, beautifully reflected their shared values and creative spirit. Beneath a lush chuppah of white lilies, roses, and chamomile daisies, they exchanged vows surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Milken alumni, including best man Maxx Cohen ’08. From heartfelt speeches to sculptures crafted by Jennie’s mom, every detail celebrated love, artistry, and community.

Today, Jennie and Matthew live happily in Century City, carrying with them the lessons and friendships that began at Milken. “We’re still deeply connected to Milken through the lifelong friendships we made there,” they say. “It’s thanks to that community that we found each other and continue to build a life rooted in the same values that brought us together.”