“Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together.” - Ecclesiastes 4:2,3 Our journey began mid-pandemic in February of 2021. Desmond had returned to the Greater Washington DC area (DMV) just months prior and was renting out a basement apartment in Germantown. This was only a couple of years after graduating college, starting his career in finance and moving to Philadelphia, making it unclear if this was a step backwards or a necessary reset. Ashley had moved to the DMV area from Des Moines, Iowa just a couple of months prior. Her aspirations included furthering her career as an attorney, meeting young professionals, and enjoying what the area had to offer. We both had our hangups/frustrations with dating but remained cautiously optimistic that the right person was out there waiting for us, even in the midst of the pandemic. We first connected through social media. Desmond was the best man in his friend Eddison’s wedding the same day. Ashley sent the first message (IYKYK ;). We talked on the phone six hours the first time we spoke. Completely enamored with each other, six hours was simply not enough. We had to have more! Desmond planned a magical first date which started at RIO in Gaithersburg, and ended at the MLK statue in DC. The instant comfort and chemistry made us want to be constantly in each others company. Next up, deep conversations on a romantic Ferris wheel ride at the National Harbor. Within two weeks we were officially a couple, and things have only gone up from there. One of the most interesting things about our relationship is our differences. We use those as strengths that help us connect with each other and the world in a unique way. Our connection only deepened through the many game nights, family visits, and trips. Conversely, even in the stressful or sad times we take comfort in each other’s love, support, and consistency. Desmond knew from the beginning it was a miracle finding Ashley, let alone cultivating the love they have together. When the time was right, he knew he had to make his move. Desmond’s coworker had invited Ashley to the African American history museum for MLK Day weekend. He arranged his affairs to drop her off, reminding her to come back to the same exact parking space where he would pick her up from. Ashley made the walk back to the parking spot in the windy cold after a long day at the museum, only to find Desmond out of the car pretending to tie his (already tied) shoes, with the Washington Monument in the background. He pulled out a ring and proposed, and she said yes to a lifetime together. Fun fact: Ashley had no clue what was in store for her on January 15, 2023, exactly one month after she caught the bouquet at Desmond’s friend Derrick’s wedding in Melbourne, Australia. It is so refreshing to find someone with the same values, same goals, and similar willingness to invest in the relationship and each other. Ashley and Desmond are thankful for the support they have from family and friends, and excited for what the future holds.