We’re getting married!!

Picture it - Columbus State University 2015! Mariah was a freshman driving up to her first day of classes. This year, campus was crowded, so Mariah and Aaron had to park in one of the furthest parking lots from main campus: the soccer field. When Aaron parked and got out of his car, he locked eyes with her for a brief moment, then started walking down the sidewalk toward the building. Mariah didn’t really know where to go, so she followed him and the other students. That is when Aaron decided that he needed to tie his shoe. Mariah thought to herself, “This boy is about to try to talk to me,” as she walked by nonchalantly. When he caught up with her, he asked her, “Hey, are you new here?” “Yes, why? Do I just look like a freshman?” Mariah questioned him smiling. Conversation sparked. Mission accomplished. ✅ He then walked her to class, got her number, and they became friends. Semester friends, who would meet at the library sometimes, and once, they ate together at Firehouse Subs. Aaron jokes today about that being their first date. The next time they would coincidentally meet would be his graduation. Despite Mariah’s mother telling her then that Aaron should be her boyfriend and would be her husband, that day would also be their last time seeing each other until….

A newly single Mariah posted a selfie on Snapchat. Aaron replied to it. Mariah was so surprised and thrilled to hear from her old friend that she sparked the conversation this time! They started texting, and Mariah just thought that she has reconnected with an old friend. But, no! Aaron flirted with her, and this became the start of a forever friendship that neither of them expected to be the reality today! The couple went on dates to escape rooms, a game bar, museums and a couple family trips here and there before their engagement on Juneteenth 2021 in front of family and friends. September 3rd is only the beginning of their lifelong friendship as husband and wife.