Marcus and Taylor’s story begins in grade school. Despite attending two different feeder schools, they “somehow” kept crossing paths. Taylor showed up to Marcus’s basketball games whenever she (and Sheena) were free. Discretely scouting her future husband… The real spark was lit at a middle school dance. Awkwardly swaying to early 2000s R&B hits, they found each other, and even squeezed into a photobooth to document the moment. Nothing says “young love” like a strip of blurry photos you guard with your life. Freshman year, Marcus made it official in the most romantic location available: the high school gym. Beginning 4 years of consistently passing deeply contemplative notes between classes. “I’m currently sitting in algebra and do not understand anything”, was usually how Marcus’s began. But after a few months, there was one that stood out: “I never thought I would like you this much.” Taylor was taken aback and the rest is BC history. College brought their first real test—138 miles between Cabrini University and Salisbury University. Amidst the chaos and excitement of becoming collegiate student-athletes, Taylor and Marcus continued to prioritize their relationship. A few months into this new chapter, over a romantic dinner in Salisbury, Maryland. Taylor looked at Marcus with tears in her eyes and said, “I just know you are my person.” The queen had spoken, and king_dubb concurred. They made it work. Little did they know, long distance wasn’t done with them yet. When Marcus pursued his professional football dreams and moved to Gillette, Wyoming, they braced for another stretch apart (give or take a thousand miles). After weeks of end of day FaceTimes and in between practice calls, Taylor flew out to visit Marcus and meet his new team. But less than 24 hours upon landing, our couple was sent yet another curve ball— Marcus had been cut from the team. Shocked and disappointed, Marcus delivered the news and, this time, was happy to have the unwavering support of his person. In 2023 Taylor and Marcus moved in together in the great city of Philadelphia. Together they’ve continued to navigate life’s curveballs and have managed to build a life filled with their favorite things: exploring new neighborhoods, finding go-to restaurants, playing pickleball (with varying degrees of competitiveness), cheering on the Eagles, and spending time with friends & family. 12 years after that first spark, Marcus and Taylor are engaged—and on their 13th anniversary, they’ll finally say “I do.” It’s been years of growing, learning, laughing, pivoting, and choosing each other—over and over again. And this is just the beginning.