Bri and Mike met back in 2016 when they both worked at Norfolk State University (NSU), which eventually led to a great working relationship and friendship. They stayed in each other's offices daily, partnered on programs, chaperoned school trips, and would talk for hours. One day Bri told Mike that she was considering applying to doctoral programs, but wasn't sure if she could/would and Mike (who had just started his 1st year and was very optimistic) told her to go for it. Bri hesitantly applied and got into the two programs that she applied to, and transitioned to D.C. shortly after to embark on the journey. Mike received a new position in the midwest and transitioned a month or so after Bri and they both left NSU behind. They would check in with each other periodically to see how things were going, but it was mainly small talk. In 2018, Bri and Mike would reunite in Philly for a higher ed conference not knowing that there would be a romantic connection between them by the end of the trip thanks to a meet up with their dear friends J Squared. Concluding the conference, Bri and Mike dated for about 5 months before taking some time apart for 2 WHOLE years. At the top of 2020 with the onset of the pandemic, Bri and Mike reconnected and began to rebuild their friendship, communication, and trust. It was then that they fell in love again, but as their authentic selves. Mike told Bri after their initial conversation that he always knew she was the one and that he would settle in being her friend if her feelings weren't mutual. They realized that they had found their person and that this was God giving them both another chance. They took their time in building a firm foundation and made their relationship official on July 5, 2020 after Mike hosted Bri's parents for a weekend and haven't looked back since. Bri and Mike officially tied the knot on July 2, 2022 and look forward to celebrating their first year of marriage with their loved ones!