Like many modern love stories, ours began on Instagram. After following each other for a few years, we finally struck up a conversation when Marquis messaged Alexus on Thanksgiving in 2022 about a photo she posted of a sweet potato pie she made using her Grandma Thelma’s recipe. Sweet potato pie is Marquis’ favorite dessert, and that picture immediately caught his attention and his heart. On our first date, Alexus even brought him one. That one conversation led to many more, and before we knew it, we were booking trips between Maryland and North Carolina to turn messages into memories. With every visit, our relationship deepened through intention, effort, and lots of laughter, growing stronger no matter the distance. On March 22, 2025, Marquis asked Alexus to marry him during what she thought was a surprise anniversary trip to Asheville, North Carolina. The plan, as Alexus understood it, was to have breakfast at the Biltmore House as the sun rose. Instead, she received something far more special, the promise of forever. In a moment filled with love, beauty, and happy tears, Marquis got down on one knee, and Alexus said yes. From a simple photo to forever, we are deeply grateful for the journey that brought us here. We cannot wait to celebrate our love story with the family and friends who have supported us every step of the way.