"Hey Tanishia, this is Gabriel." That was the text that started it all. On June 26, 2020, Gabriel and Tanishia began texting after being connected by a mutual friend. They spent the next few weeks on FaceTime, then decided to take a chance and meet in person. It was the middle Covid-19, so they took the safe route and met at a park off the Cahaba River for their very first date. It was as romantic as you can imagine, and they even had their first kiss. They made their relationship official on August 15, 2020, then said "I love you" soon after. They took their first road trip together to Atlanta, Georgia in December of 2020, where they visited the holiday lights at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. They did not know it at the time, but almost two years to the date they visited, they would become engaged at the very same place. After dating for a year, Gabriel left Birmingham for eight months in order to complete military training. They learned so much about each other during that time and grew even closer, despite being miles apart. Upon Gabriel's return from training, they decided to revisit the city that sparked a great love in their relationship. Tanishia had no idea that it would be their last trip as boyfriend and girlfriend. On December 20, 2022, Tanishia said "yes" to Gabriel in the middle of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. It was truly a night to remember, and they were both grateful to share that special moment with their families. Gabriel and Tanishia's relationship has been full of adventures and surprises, but they would not have it any other way. They have found a love that is irreplaceable, and they cannot wait to enjoy married life together.