They chatted on the phone for a couple of weeks getting to know each other and quickly realized that they graduated from Spelman and Morehouse the same year, but didn’t know each other. Erin mentioned how hectic her life was at the time and Nolan selected a walk in Piedmont park for their first date. On October 3, 2017, they met face to face for the first time. They sat for a while near Lake Clara Meer at the center of the park and had a nice walk. That first evening Erin wrote in her phone notes “Today I met the love of my life, he doesn’t know it yet.” “I can’t wait to see him again.” Nolan must have felt a strong connection as well because he planned for them several dates after that initial stroll on the park. The couple didn’t exactly have a straight path from those first dates to the altar and took some time to figure themselves and each other out, but during the pandemic it became clear that they were pretty locked in on being with each other during the good times and the bad ones

Last fall, in the enchanting city of Paris, I mustered the courage to ask my soon-to-be wife, Erin, the most important question of our lives. The days leading up to the proposal were a whirlwind of emotions, dominated by a profound sense of anxiety. The uncertainty of her response intertwined with the meticulous planning required to create a perfect moment had my nerves in a constant state of unrest. On the day of the proposal, a last-minute scramble ensued. I realized that the engagement ring was not yet in my possession, and panic began to set in. Clad in a casual ensemble of shorts and a T-shirt, I dashed through the charming streets of Paris, a striking contrast to the elegance that surrounded me. The hotel's top-notch concierge, sensing my desperation, sprang into action with remarkable efficiency. Our driver, equally gracious, navigated the bustling Parisian traffic with ease, ensuring we reached the jeweler in record time. With the ring safely in hand, my heart raced as I envisioned the moment that lay ahead. We made our way to the iconic Eiffel Tower, its majestic silhouette, a testament to timeless romance. As we arrived, my nerves threatened to overwhelm me, but the sight of her, radiating beauty and grace, calmed my racing heart. With trembling hands and a voice that wavered with emotion, I dropped to one knee in front of the Eiffel Tower. Time seemed to stand still as I asked her to be my wife. The world around us faded into a blur, and all that remained was the look in her eyes – a mix of surprise, joy, and love. Tears of happiness streamed down her face as she said yes, and in that moment, every ounce of anxiety and effort was worth it. Our engagement in Paris was a magical chapter in our love story, a memory we will cherish forever. It was a day filled with nervous anticipation, frantic efforts, and ultimately, overwhelming joy. The tears of happiness that glistened in her eyes as she accepted my proposal will forever be etched in my heart, a reminder of the love and journey we share.