We Decided on Forever

Donaven and Ruby met when they were 19 years old while working at Outback Steakhouse in Wichita, KS. One day while working together, Donaven approached Ruby, got her phone number, and later asked her on a date to Old Chicago. When Ruby got home after their first date, she naturally shared the details of the date with her friend and roommate. After hearing the story, her friend said, "I think you just met your husband," to which Ruby responded, "I think I just did, too." Shortly after, while both were attending Wichita State University, they crossed paths on campus — a rare moment, in fact, the only time it ever happened. The sun was shining perfectly behind Donaven and onto Ruby’s face. As they greeted each other, both later admitted that this was one of the key moments they knew they were looking at their future husband and wife. They have been together for over seven years and engaged for one. They spent the first couple years of their relationship in Wichita, KS, lived briefly in Salina, KS, and then moved cross-country to Tallahassee, FL. Tallahassee has become their home away from home, where they’ve grown as individuals and as a couple over the past four years. It’s the place where they’ve learned to lean on each other through life’s toughest moments — graduate school, career changes, health challenges, and more. It’s where they’ve built a strong foundation with God at the center, and each other as a priority. It’s also where unexpected connections with neighbors, colleagues, and classmates have evolved into lifelong friendships and where they’ve fallen in love with the nature that surrounds them. It’s where they got engaged and now, it’s where they'll begin the next chapter of their life. With the vast ocean behind them on their wedding day, it symbolizes the endless possibilities for their future — filled with hope, love, and excitement for what’s to come. They are beyond grateful to their family and friends whose love and support are the greatest gifts they could ever receive. Though not rich in the traditional sense, they feel immeasurably wealthy in what truly matters: a life built on faith, hard work, and commitment to each other.