Love in Peak Bloom

We met at UVA in 2012, during a laid-back kickback at Shamrock Apartments hosted by Sheridan’s line brother, Xavier. Sheridan wasn’t planning to attend—he was content staying in that evening—but after some playful nudging (and a bit of good-natured bullying) from his other line brothers, Jordan and Julian, he reluctantly agreed to go. Looking back, that one spontaneous choice changed everything. As the night wore on and the crowd began to scatter into smaller groups, Sheridan found himself tucked into a quiet corner with a woman whose presence lit up the room—Shakye. She was the epitome of warmth and energy, a radiant soul with a spark that drew people in. We slipped into conversation effortlessly, as if we had known each other forever. With her signature enthusiasm, Shakye began sharing stories from her recent spring break and birthday trip to Florida. She beamed as she scrolled through every photo, reliving the joy and sunshine of her adventure. Sheridan didn’t just listen—he was enthralled. Not just by her stories, but by the light in her eyes, the music in her laughter, and the boundless joy she carried with her. In that moment, something shifted. It was as if time paused just long enough for two hearts to recognize something extraordinary. What started as a chance encounter blossomed into a connection that felt destined—effortless, magnetic, and full of promise. We didn’t know it then, but that night would become the first chapter of a story we’d spend the rest of our lives writing together.

On April 20, 2024, ten years after that serendipitous evening, Sheridan asked Shakye to marry him—a proposal woven with intention, memory, and love. He chose the date for many reasons. First, it was a palindrome—42024—a rare symmetry that reads the same forwards and backwards. There was beauty in that balance, in the idea that two people could come together and reflect one another in such harmony. Even more poetic, it marked the beginning of ten days of palindrome dates—42024 through 42924—echoing ten years of shared memories, milestones, and unwavering love. But there was a deeper meaning still. April 20 was also the birthday of Sheridan’s late father, Cornell, who passed away in 2013. Proposing on this day wasn’t just symbolic—it was spiritual. It felt like a way to invite his presence into the moment, to honor his legacy, and to weave his memory into the next chapter of our love story. Fittingly, the proposal took place during UVA’s Black Alumni Weekend, bringing us back to the place where it all began. It allowed Sheridan to gather our friends and family without raising suspicion, setting the stage for something unforgettable. He chose Mount Ida Reserve Vineyard, just 30 minutes from the university—a place nestled in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In D.C., we often explore vineyards with friends, so Sheridan told Shakye they were meeting the “wine crew” to try a new spot before the BAW cookout. As we walked toward the patio, the landscape opened up to a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge's rolling hills. At the end of the stone walkway, with the mountains behind us and love guiding our steps, Sheridan dropped to one knee. He looked into Shakye’s eyes, heart full, voice steady, and asked her to share forever. And she said yes. What she didn’t know was that behind the nearby doors, our loved ones were gathered—some who had traveled from Boston, others who had become part of our story over the years. When we stepped back inside, the room erupted with cheers and happy tears. It was a moment full-bodied with joy, overflowing with love, and sweetened by the presence of those who matter most. A vintage memory we’ll never forget.