It was an unsuspecting meeting which in hindsight was a fated God honoring set up. Seeing Joy for the first time was magical. Her hair was shoulder length, and her outfit was alluring; black coat, deep red sweater, and long black skirt - it looked like she was floating to me. As she approached, I played it cool. We were in a public makeshift log cabin on the waterfront of the Delaware River. It was a perfect setting for us to talk and enjoy hot cider. Once we took our seats across from each other at the picnic table, the first thing I noticed were her eyes. There was a subtle fire which was a portal to her courageous, passionate, faith-filled heart. We started talking, and I found myself wanting to know more, the conversation was effortless, and we were making exciting discoveries about one another. Before we knew it, it was time for us to say goodbye so that we could get ready for the next workday-- but I didn’t want her to go. Thinking quickly I remembered there was a place with a dance floor nearby, they were teaching salsa/bachata lessons at that exact moment. The dances we shared were a magical serenade to the intoxicating sounds of guitar, clave, and drums. At the end of our date I walked Joy back to her car, the night air was cold but our hearts were ablaze. Staring into each others eyes under the starry night sky I believe we were both thinking the same thing -- "is this real?". Everything went perfectly like a scene from a movie there was honesty, fun, humor, romance, and vulnerability. It seemed too good to be true but we pleasantly found out it was not. Our first date was an amazing beginning to our black love story.

The next 8 months were filled with spontaneity and bliss, however, it soon came to an end. Torn between Philadelphia and New York, Joy reluctantly made the decision to move. This decision could either make or break the couple’s love story in the making. Yet, neither time nor distance inhibited their love. Their time apart drew them closer to their faith in God, which subsequently strengthened their vow to abstain. Jeffrey and Joy also faced the dark and crippling parts of themselves and encourage each other to brave challenges with family. Through much support and prayer, they were happy to find each other still there through it all. The couple also made the best cheer leaders for well-earned career advancements and for obtaining a Master’s degree. For these reasons and many more, Jeffrey and Joy realized, they didn't want to continue this journey with anyone else.

On the weekend of our 3-year anniversary, Jeffrey visited with flowers-- like always. After settling in, I was excited to take Jeffrey to Serengeti, an inviting African tearoom. It was quaint with a lovely aroma, decorated with beautiful art, and had a peaceful atmosphere. As we talked—the thought of engagement creeped into my mind (could this be it?) but I quickly quieted it. I’ve had those thoughts before, whether inserted or through my own wishful desires—either way, I wanted to be present and didn’t want to set myself up for disappointment. (Later on, I found out this man had the ring in his pocket the whole time!) After such a lovely time at Serengeti we strolled down 125th stopping for items to complete the dinner Jeffrey planned to prepare. Once we got back to the apartment, some 4hours later the food was done—he insisted I didn’t help. I was very impressed by the flavor and presentation; he made stuffed pork loins, roasted beets, carrots, and potatoes, with couscous. (Once again, I thought what a perfect moment to propose) At this point, I was stuffed and ready for bed; right before we said goodnight he gave me my anniversary gift, I got an Alexa. With exhaustion I said thank you, Jeffrey headed for the couch, and I attempted to go to sleep. Unbeknownst to me, Jeffrey had a goal and he wouldn’t let the day end without achieving it. Seconds later he returned and began expressing his love by sharing words of affection and affirmation. The sleep left me eyes and I started smiling from ear to ear, I knew what was happening. My heart started to pulsate, my eyes started to well up, and my breathing became heavy. He stepped back, got on one knee and said, "We aren’t perfect, but we imperfect people can be committed to a perfect God and strive to embody his perfect love for each other, will you marry me?”—teary eyed I said yes! After that touching moment, I realized, I hadn't even look at the ring and so he put it on my finger, it was as beautiful as our love.