It all started in the summer of 2019, under the warm glow of a shared purpose. Devin and I met as camp counselors through a fellowship with Flourish Agenda. The days were long, filled with the laughter of kids and the occasional chaos that comes with guiding young minds. But amidst all that, Devin and I found a rhythm in each other—a quiet understanding that made even the busiest days feel lighter. Back then, we were just good friends, though Devin’s feelings may have hinted otherwise. Over the years, he asked me out a few times, each time with a sincerity that warmed my heart. But I wasn’t ready—I politely declined, appreciating his kindness and respecting the friendship we’d built. It wasn’t until three years later, in 2022, that something shifted. Life had taken us on separate paths, but when those paths converged again, everything clicked. Just a month before I moved to DC for work, I decided to stop saying no. Devin asked me out again, and this time, I said yes. It was bittersweet, knowing that our new relationship would begin with distance, but there was a pull between us that felt unshakable. The year apart tested us, but it also strengthened us. Devin’s unwavering support and our shared belief in each other’s dreams kept us connected across the miles. When I moved back home in October 2023, it felt like the puzzle was finally complete. And then came May 11th, 2024—a day that will forever be etched in my heart. I had organized a music showcase event for Devin, celebrating his talent and the community we both loved so dearly. What I didn’t know was that he had been planning a surprise of his own. We performed a song together that night, a duet that felt like a dialogue between our souls. And then Devin sang a song he had written just for me—a melody that told our story in the most beautiful way. As the final note lingered in the air, he got down on one knee in front of our family and friends and asked me to spend forever with him. I was completely surprised, overwhelmed with love and joy. Now, as we prepare to say “I do” on December 20th, 2025, I look back on our journey with gratitude. From camp counselors to best friends, from polite declines to a resounding yes, from navigating distance to building a life together, Devin has been my partner in every sense of the word. Ours is a love that was planted in purpose, nurtured by friendship, and blossomed into something extraordinary.