We’re getting Married!

It all began on August 15th, 2022, at a typical Centreville High School faculty meeting. As the staff were leaving the auditorium, Candace and Gordon exchanged a quick “hello.” Nothing out of the ordinary, just two colleagues crossing paths at the start of the school year. Almost two years later, fate stepped in again. They reconnected in the school hallway, and Gordon playfully asked,
“Excuse me, do you have a pass?”
Candace smiled, and Gordon followed up with a smirk,
“With that smile, I’d let you pass anyway.”
That light moment sparked something neither of them expected. Fast forward nearly a year, and the two found themselves chatting in the MOD where Candace’s office is located. They shared a casual conversation about Candace’s recent move from Fredericksburg to Fairfax, a detail that secretly relieved Gordon, who later joked that Fredericksburg felt like "Upper Richmond." At the beginning of the next month, Gordon invited Candace to the faculty tailgate for the football season opener. That night would change everything. Surrounded by friends and faculty, the game ended in a tough loss, but the evening was far from over. Candace and Gordon headed to what would soon become their stomping grounds, Crafthouse. They stayed out talking until 4 a.m., effortlessly weaving stories, laughter, and connection into the beginning of something real. That night, a seed was planted, one that would grow into a beautiful, lasting bond.
 From a hallway joke to heartfelt conversations under the stars, this is how forever began. The Proposal On July 11, 2025, exactly 1 year, 10 months, and 3 days after our first date, Gordon planned the proposal of my dreams. It was a Friday evening, and Gordon told me he was planning a simple date night. Little did I know, it would become a moment I’d never forget. We arrived at Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, Virginia, where we were treated to a private tasting experience and a delicious meal. The atmosphere was already magical, but Gordon had even more in store. As the sun began to set, he led me outside to a beautiful archway where he had arranged for us to end the evening. And at exactly 8:36 p.m., Gordon asked me to be his forever plus one and I said YES. To my complete surprise, his son LJ and my sister-friend Abigail were there, capturing the entire moment and sharing in our joy. It was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined, thoughtful, romantic, and so perfectly us. Now, we’re so excited to start this next chapter with you. Thank you for being part of our journey to forever.