It’s hard to believe this story began June 1st, 2021. Five years feels like forever ago and no time at all with the one you love. The day they met, their mutual friend Alisha planned a virtual concert where Tonya’s creative arts camp KidsACT was the recipient of the proceeds, and Alex was chosen to photograph the day. Alex had heard about Tonya beforehand, but from the description, figured she was a lot older than him. Little did Alex know, that day, he’d be capturing the love of his life through the lens. He was having a rough day, but seeing how joyous, how playful, how happy-go-lucky she was, his day instantly got brighter. From the moment they met, he knew he had to see her again. Their first date was two weeks later, on Alex’s birthday, where he set up a romantic picnic at the National Harbor: just the two of them, the sunset, a gentle breeze, and hours of nonstop conversation. Three times, a bystander on a walk around the harbor asked if they wanted a picture together. It was clear he could see something they couldn’t yet - a new, nervous love waiting to blossom between them. Of course, they said no because they didn’t know each other, but they now know this was a day they’d both want to remember. The two of them could feel it in the moments before their first kiss, awkwardly letting the seconds pass before Tonya broke the tension with, “You want a cracker?” This is the playful, lighthearted nature that Alex fell for, that day and each day following. Alex was ready to begin their relationship two weeks after that. It had been a horrible day for Tonya, and Alex was adamant on spending time together! Despite wanting to take the day by herself, she pushed past her annoyance and took a chance on the dinner, where Alex brought them back to the scene of their first date: the Harbor. Over dinner at Cadillac Ranch, he was able to turn the bad day around by asking her to be his girlfriend. To which, she obviously said yes. Through the years, they discovered their love for activities and adventures over sit-down dinners. Anyone who knows them knows their ability to bring out the thrill in one another - you’ll find them ziplining and snowtubing, axe throwing and dancing (or watching Tonya dance) on the screen at a sports game! They’ve built a relationship of joy and excitement, while also building a relationship of care and support, both for each other and the ones they love. Through uplifting each other’s passions and hobbies, showing up for their friends’ business ventures, and supporting each other’s families as their own, they’ve allowed their lives to merge slowly and intentionally. Alex’s proposal showcased that very intention: he knew that whenever he proposed, Tonya wanted to be completely surprised but also surrounded by her close family and friends (who aren’t easy to gather in one place!) Even before this, Alex waited until Tonya was out of town and formally asked her parents for their blessing. He understood deeply how much her family means to her, and knew it would make the proposal that much more special. When the time was right, he picked a ring he knew she’d love and kept it in his house without her seeing. At least once, Tonya randomly surprised him at home, and he scrambled to distract her from seeing the ring right on the table! He pulled it off without a hitch on April 12th 2025. She had no idea of the proposal until an hour before, as she pulled up, supposedly, to his “mom’s retirement celebration.” He told her to dress nicely for “family pictures” and had her friend Danielle trick Tonya into doing her nails “to model them for her business” the day before. Tonya, as supportive as she is, didn’t even think TWICE. As she turned into the neighborhood, it all hit at once: I AM GETTING PROPOSED TO! The day was a dream come true. From mutual friends to adventure dates, from fiancés to forever, their story shows that a love built on care, understanding, intention, and joy is one set up to last.