We first met on move-in day at Longwood University, both busy getting our things up to the 10th floor and trying to settle into a new chapter. We were just hallmates then, sharing a wall and exchanging quick hellos in passing. Not long after, he noticed me working on my history homework and offered to help. What started as a simple study session turned into an easy friendship, and before we knew it, something special had begun right there in that dorm hallway.

It all started when Derrick decided my dorm room was his favorite hangout spot, mostly because I kept a steady supply of Monster energy drinks. He’d stop by “just to say hi” and somehow leave with my drink almost every day. Then came Halloween night, when the whole hall went out to party together. Somewhere between the music, laughter, and chaos of costumes, our friendship started to feel like something more. By November 22, he finally asked me out and the rest, as they say, is history

After graduating together, we moved to Baltimore and started building our life side by side. We adopted our beautiful dog, Sophie, who quickly became the center of our little world. Our families met and became each other’s families, and over the years we traveled, laughed, and cried together, growing closer through every chapter. After two years in Baltimore, we moved to Washington, DC. We followed each other wherever our paths led, always pushing and supporting one another to reach our dreams.

Can you believe it? It only took Derrick ten years to propose. But just like the wait, the big surprise was completely worth it. He pulled off the most unforgettable moment with a flash mob and dancing in the rain, surrounded by our family and friends. It was as magical, chaotic, and perfectly us as it could be.

We’ve grown up together, built a life we love, and shared it with the people who mean the most to us. This day isn’t the start of forever, it’s a celebration of the forever we’re already living.