Marcus & Simone met for the first time in August of 2015. He was working as the leasing manager in an apartment building near Temple University, where he had graduated a few years prior. She was moving into her new apartment with her track & field teammates, getting ready to start an eventful junior year at Temple. Both of them immediately knew there was something special about the other person, although neither of them could ever have dreamed they would one day be making plans to spend the rest of their lives together. Marcus had spotted her a few months earlier while she was touring the building, and made a mental note that he hoped she would move in. Simone saw him for the first time on move-in day and whispered to a friend that he was "fine" and wanted to talk to him. However, despite the immediate sparks, they did not immediately date one another. Instead they became fast friends and close confidants learning each-others quirks, sense of humor, hopes and dreams. Almost a year later, Simone moved out of their building and home for the summer. After exchanging a few calls and texts missing one another, Marcus drove from Pennsylvania to New Jersey to take her on their first date. A few months later, he asked her to make things official. And the rest is history!

On January 18, 2022 Marcus took Simone to a pre-scheduled birthday photoshoot at a studio in Durham, NC. He knew Simone's birthday was the perfect cover to get her dressed up, with her hair and nails done, and have a photographer present, without her suspecting the proposal was happening. For the first part of the photoshoot, Simone enjoyed taking some solo shots, soaking in the birthday spotlight and ambiance. Towards the end of the shoot, she change into a second outfit to take a few cute couple shots with Marcus, which he had already mentioned "we'll take some together to frame in the apartment." Simone had previously complained about not having any professional photos to frame for decor, so it was truly the perfect set-up. After a few minutes of taking photos together, the photographer called for the "last pose." After taking a few more shots, the photographer appeared to wrap things up. Just as Simone started to turn to walk off set, Marcus turned to her and dropped down to one knee. After smiling, laughing, crying, and laughing some more Simone said YES!