LinkedIn… Yes, its true the “Facebook for Professionals” gets the props for bringing us together. After getting to know each other through direct messages, Clayton syly asked Asia if HE could give HER his phone number so that they could continue getting to know each other outside of the media platform. Within a month Clayton made the 10 plus hour drive from Baltimore, Maryland to Nashville, TN. Our first date was April 2nd. What started out as brunch, turned into a full day date. By the end of his week in town we were “official”. https://youtu.be/-HJ22voXMuI
The first 6 months of dating for Clayton and Asia consisted of mostly hours and hours of FaceTime, Phone calls, texts. While this was great they soon decided that if their relationship was going to work, they would have to come together to figure out ways to see each other regularly. This was one of many leaps of faith for the couple. Since, Clayton's job schedule at the time allowed him to have 5 consecutive days off each month, they both made the sacrifices necessary to ensure a flight was booked for Clayton to come visit Asia. They didn't realize it then... but this time, teamwork and intentionality would set the foundation for their relationship. It was on these trips that the couple got to know each other even more. After just a few months of the traveling back and forth they realized while they COULD continue the long distance relationship, they WANTED to be together. After several months of preparation and hard work, Clayton was accepted into the Metro Nashville Police Department! While most people have months and months to prepare for this huge change, Clayton had just a few weeks. He bravely stepped out on faith and moved thousands of miles from his family and friends to begin his journey of becoming a Police Officer. On September 16th, 2018 Clayton arrived to Nashville, but this time he was there to stay!
After an amazing long Labor Day weekend in Baltimore visiting Clayton’s Family, the couple made their way to the airport to head back to Nashville. When they arrived to the terminal, Asia settled in their seats while Clayton excused himself to go to the bathroom. A few moments later, Asia noticed Clayton walking behind the counter of where the employees were. She initially she thought Clayton was confused about how to get to the bathroom but then saw him talking to the manager. “Yes!, he must have seen someone he knows & is trying to get our boarding bumped up so that we can sit together!”. Without a second thought, Asia went back to setting up the movie they planned to watch on the Ipad and Clayton proceeded to the bathroom. Few moments later, Clayton is back but this time he was holding a small opened box and began to get on one knee. “What is he? Wait Is he? Is that THEE rin…” as Asia tried to gather her thoughts, she realized THIS WAS IT! We all know how the next part goes…He asked & she said well...“WHATTT WHATTT I Mean YES! ?” The newly engaged couple hugged (and Asia cried lol). Amidst the busy travel mess that is the airport on the last night of a long holiday weekend, the couple, wrapped in each others arms, were in their own little world. The same man who helped record the proposal, got on the terminal intercom & announced “ Hello everyone, please look over at Gate B14 and help us in congratulating Clayton and Asia on their engagement, He just asked and she said yes! She also said wow this is a really nice ring” and entire terminal full of hundreds of travelers erupted in cheers and applause! But it wasn't over just yet. Thanks to the gracious Southwest crew they were gifted with a bottle of champagne and that boarding upgrade Asia was hoping for ;). Clayton and Asia can't wait to continue to enjoy their engagement. They look forward to celebrating the beginning of their union & life long partnership in a small wedding with those closest to them.