Karlon and I first met in 2016 during a church service and he noticed me because I was interpreting American Sign Language (ASL) for a friend and I noticed him because he is SO tall! However, no matter how many mutual friends we had, we did not stay in touch. Fast forward to 2020, a mutual friend arranged a group zoom date and before the date started, she called me and told me, "Karlon Johnson will be on the date." She told me about his character - sweet, godly, hardworking, adventurous yet, I could not recall who he was until I checked Instagram and instantly remembered. The group date did not go as plan but in the end, people placed their numbers in the group chat but I did not; I knew I only wanted to talk with Karlon. So, I retrieved his number from the group chat and sent him a text. A few weeks later, on October 17th, 2020, we had another zoom date (after specifically praying to have a date with my godly spouse by 10/17/2020) and connected. We talked about life over the past years and the many ways God has molded us individually. The following month, we met in Orlando, Florida for a very unconventional holiday dinner yet had a great time connecting in person, as if we had been connecting for years! As the months went by, I kept praying secret specific prayers between God and me. However, Karlon must have heard my prayers because he did nearly everything I prayed for! Six months of dating went by and I knew that I wanted to not only date but marry him, yet I persisted in prayer. Again, he must have been listening because on March 6th, 2021, he flew from Miami, Florida to Gaithersburg, Maryland to ask me to be his girlfriend. Almost ten months later, on Sunday, December 26th, 2021, he asked me to join him in marriage! Instead of saying, "yes," I said, "of course!" Our friendship and relationship have been safe, easy, fun, and filled with tons of good food, laughter, prayer, and adventures! I feel so grateful and blessed to marry Karlon!

I briefly met Shenea back in 2016 when she would sign and interpret church midweeks for a close friend of mine. Aware that she was leaving for Seattle, we didn't keep in touch for a while. Fast forward to August 2020, I joined a massive virtual group date with over 12 people. Although the date was supposed to have equal men and women, some did not show up. However, everyone in the group still made the most of the event. From the group, Shenea stood out to me. This was not only because I remember her from before. She had this glow about her. I found her expressiveness, openness, and vulnerability on the date both comforting and attractive. Although I put my phone number on the chat of the group date, I was really hoping for her number. Thankfully, she got my number and reached out to me. I was elated! Throughout 2020, we were able to chat nonstop via text, FaceTime, Zoom dates, and eventually in person at Universal Studios. After our second virtual date, I realized that I had never really given this much attention and quality time to someone before. She was someone really special, and I saw her exclusively without ever really declaring that we were exclusive. After our first in-person date at Universal Studios, I knew I loved her. I wanted to ask her to be my girlfriend the next time we meet in-person. Fast forward, after multiple double dates together with her friends and my friends, I chose March as the day I would fly to Washington DC to ask her in-person. That day (March 6, 2021) was unforgettable. We walked over 18 miles sightseeing and bonding in the capital. It wasn't until the end of that special day where I asked her to be my girlfriend. This relationship has been a beautiful journey that I once thought only belonged in movies. The more I learn about Shenea, the more I fall in love with her. Meeting her family, and seeing her interact with my family, has been extremely special. I'm grateful to be marrying an amazing one-of-a-kind woman of God.