Like many modern love stories, ours began with a simple swipe on Tinder, but what followed was anything but ordinary. The first time we met, we went to the club… and let’s just say, that didn’t last long. Dre talks low, and I wasn’t about to spend the night saying “what?” over music, so I grabbed his hand and pulled him right back out, after he had just paid to get in. And he didn’t even hesitate. That’s when I knew something was different. We ended up at a quiet bar, talking for hours like we had known each other forever. Our first official date was at Pappadeaux’s. Dre planned it, and I loved that. What stood out most was how much more talkative he was. I got to see a different side of him, and I was excited… like, *okay, I like this*. But the moment that really stayed with me? When he told me he had to call his mama to tell her he had a new girlfriend. That right there… that was it for me. That’s when I knew this was something real. What I love most about Dre is how “matter of fact” he is. He’s steady. He’s intentional. He moves like a team player and always wants what’s best for *us*, not just himself. That kind of love… it’s rare. Some of our favorite moments are the simplest ones, game nights, throwing darts at Flight Club, sharing Chinese food, or just vibing to music together. And while we have so many songs that remind us of each other, *“Desperado” by Rihanna* will always take me back to some of our best memories. We’ve had our fun adventures too. From cruising to Cuba to the time we drove an hour to the club and I forgot my ID (yes… I did that 😅). No matter what, we always find a way to laugh through it. The proposal? That’s the part that still feels unreal. I threw Dre a birthday party… and somehow, he turned *his* celebration into one of the biggest moments of *our* lives. That’s just who he is, always full of surprises. Now, as we step into this next chapter, I’m most excited about building a life together… growing our family, and yes, having little Andres and Arieians running around someday 💕 Through it all, if I had to describe Dre in one word, it would be: **devoted**. And that’s exactly the kind of love I prayed for.

Sometimes the best things start in the simplest ways. For us, it started with a swipe on Tinder, but it didn’t take long to realize this was something different. After we first met on Edgewood, I knew she was special. There was something about her energy, confident, real, and unapologetically herself. That moment stuck with me. Our first date was at Pappadeaux’s, and it was everything I needed it to be. We took the time to really get to know each other. No pressure, just genuine conversation. That’s when I started to see how strong our connection really was. What I love most about Arieian is how we balance each other. Where I may be strong, she sharpens me and where I may fall short, she steps in. We truly strengthen each other’s weaknesses, and that’s what makes us a team. But the moment I fell in love with her wasn’t about a date or a trip. It was during one of the hardest times in my life. When I lost my job in 2023, she didn’t hesitate. She stood by me in every way possible. That kind of loyalty… you don’t forget that. That’s when I knew I had someone I could build a life with. We’ve created so many memories together. Whether it’s visiting museums, sharing Chinese food, or just enjoying each other’s presence. One of my favorite trips was going to D.C. for her birthday. It was simple, but it meant everything. Music has also been a part of our story, and *“Dope Dealer” by Schoolboy Q* is one of those songs that always takes me back to us. When it came time to propose, I wanted it to be a surprise she would never forget. So I used my birthday party as the perfect moment to ask her to spend forever with me and it worked. If I had to describe Arieian in one word, it would be **outspoken**. She speaks her mind, stands her ground, and keeps things real and I respect that about her. Now, as we step into marriage, I’m most excited about what we’re building together. Not just a life, but a legacy. We’re focused on creating something that lasts… something bigger than us. **Generational wealth. Family. Foundation.** That’s what this next chapter is about.