Dion and Erika first met in Chicago, IL on August 26, 2016 at Steak Bar in Old Town, which is closed now 😢. Dion, newly single, was out on the prowl with co-workers for a fun Friday night on the town. Erika, also newly single, was in Chicago for work and also out with co-workers taking in the sights. Dion and his friends walked into the bar and ordered drinks. A few minutes went by when one of Dion’s friends recognized someone from Erika’s group that he went to college with. Little did Erika and Dion know that this interaction would change their lives forever. As the conversation between the groups went on, Dion noticed Erika out of the group, watching ESPN on TV. On the TV were highlights of the New England Patriots (Dion’s favorite football team). Dion approached Erika and asked her if she was a football fan. She replied, “Yes, I’m a Saints fan who dat”. This sparked a conversation around sports, where they grew up, and other similar interests. They both exchanged contact information and decided to get together for what would be their first date. The next day was a beautiful 75 degrees during summertime Chi. They both agreed to meet up in River North for a drink at O'Callaghan’s. They both enjoyed a beverage with her friends and decided to take a walk around the city. Erika initially wasn’t a fan of Chicago until Dion showed her finer things. This whirlwind of a day took the couple from River North to the lakefront and back to River North for dinner. Dion couldn’t let Erika leave Chicago without having some deep dish pizza (a tourist treat), so they had dinner at Giordanoes. After dinner, they took a long walk back to Erika’s hotel, where they bid each other adieu and shared their first kiss. It was from this moment that both knew they had found someone special. Fast forward a month later, Dion was on a plane to visit Erika in DC where she lived. Dion had never been to DC before, so Erika took him to see all the monuments and history there. During this weekend, they realized how many things they had in common. They both realized that this friendship would soon turn into love. Over the next few months, which turned into four years, they traveled back and forth, visiting each other. They soon found out that they both loved to travel, so they also traveled the country together. In 2021, Dion drove across the country and moved to DC to be with Erika. These past few years have been filled with ups and downs. One thing that has remained constant in this relationship is their support for one another. Today, they find themselves engaged (he went to Jared) to be married on August 23, 2025. They find themselves continuing to pour into each other, traveling the world, and keeping God first. Their relationship has opened their eyes to what a good companion is. They have learned to see the difference between a relationship that isn’t working and one that heals. Neither was looking for love at the moment, but God brought them together. 

Keep God first; true love never fails.

What was your most memorable date? The second time Erika visited Dion was for her 29th birthday. Erika has an introverted type of personality (until she warms up to you). He took her to an escape room to get her out of her shell. They had to solve riddles with a group of strangers to move onto the next task. At one point Erika had to join in with the group doing the sprinkler dance to get a clue! They then went to a Bulls game that night and it was Erika’s first Bulls game! What are your favorite activities together? Playing football, attending concerts, sporting events, and traveling the world. Where are you going for your honeymoon? We are going to Barbados! (help us get there….. plz) What's the best meal you have eaten together? Everything in Greece was fantastic, especially the Gyros! What's the most memorable trip you have taken together? Without a doubt it was Greece! Erika had no idea she was going to come back engaged. We were there for ten days, and the food was amazing! The Santorini sunset views are second to none! We’re on the same page about: Family, food, and sports (except when it has to do with the Saints or the Patriots) Some life goals of ours: To be financially free, live a healthy life, and continue to travel the world. There is so much world out there to see, and we want to see as much as we can in our lifetime. One thing people don’t know about us is: Just as much as we like to travel, we are huge homebodies!