Marlon & Rachel first officially met (to their memory) at 14 years old, introduced by mutual friends. Within two months, they began their freshman year together at Chantilly High School. Between football games, group hangouts, and everyday moments, they quickly became good friends. One of their earliest memories is when Rachel signed Marlon’s cast after he broke his collarbone playing football. From the start, they were constantly crossing paths, forming a strong bond early on.
At the end of freshman year, Marlon and Rachel began to hang out more than ever. They both were always down for the next adventure, and since they didn't have cars yet, they'd bike daily to new places in the hot June heat. This time together allowed the two of them to realize the interest they had in one another, and that there was more than just friendship in store.
By July of 2018, things came to a turning point, and Marlon and Rachel realized they both liked each other beyond simple friendship. He officially asked her to be his girlfriend on August 6th, 2018, and this is where the real story begins. The summer was filled with many adventures together.
Marlon and Rachel navigated the bliss and hardship of what it means to be young and in love. They grew together, learned many things along the way, and made many incredible memories. They loved to talk about their theories on the world, build fortresses in the woods, host people in Rachel's basement, get smoothies, and much more.
The year 2020 marked the beginning of COVID-19, and Marlon and Rachel graduated from Chantilly High School in 2021. This time was formative as they began to embark on their own spiritual journeys. In 2021, they both got baptized and began pursuing faith together.
Rachel transferred to Liberty University in 2022 to finish her business degree. Marlon flew across the country to Washington, starting what turned into 3 years at KMSM (Kingdom Movement School of Ministry). The two of them navigated a big change from being a 5-minute drive to a 5-hour flight away, but came to understand that distance makes love grow fonder. They still had plenty of time to see each other over summers and visits, going on family trips together, and settling that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. One funny discovery happened in 2023 when Marlon sent Rachel an old preschool photo his mom had found. To their mutual surprise, after five years of dating, they realized they had been in the same preschool class! The photo was on Valentine's Day of 2007, with the two of them matching in pink and sitting right next to each other. In 2025, Rachel graduated college and Marlon graduated his 3rd year at KMSM. In May 2025, Rachel flew to Washington, where a new job opportunity opened the door for their next chapter, ending the long distance!
Amidst plans to move across country, Marlon had another plan in store. Around a week before their departure. Rachel's family had a family cabin trip that she invited Marlon to. Marlon planned a photoshoot there with Rachel's brother, Matthew, that she thought would be like any other. On the beautiful Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Blue Ridge Mountains, Marlon proposed. They celebrated with family, and shortly after, Marlon surprised Rachel again with a beautiful engagement party surrounded by people they love.
Marlon and Rachel then embarked on their 8-day journey across the United States and slept in the cramped car 6 of those days. They crossed through Mammoth Cave in WV, tried delicious BBQ in Kansas City, MO, saw many buffalo & elk in Yellowstone National Park, visited Cour'de-lane Idaho, and so much more. By the time they got to WA, they actually missed sleeping in Walmart parking lots. Rachel then moved into a home in Vancouver, WA, and Marlon settled back in with his guy friends. The two of them began life together in the PNW, starting new careers, growing in community together, exploring, doing wedding planning, and dreaming about their future together! It's all been quite an adventure, and that's exactly how they want to start the rest of their lives :)
Each of you have played a role in our lives, no matter how big or small, and we are so grateful for you. You have shaped us to be who we are together, even through the grapevine, and we are beyond blessed to have you come witness and celebrate with us on June 27th!