It was the summer of 2016. Michelle and Taieel didn't know it yet, but this summer would be one to remember. Michelle had just finished her first year of college and returned home to the DC area for the summer. During college, Michelle developed her faith and made some new friends along the way. While at home, she attended a local church with her new friends. Taieel had returned to Howard from his home in the U.S Virgin Islands to complete coursework. Taieel was also delving into his faith and attended his local church. Little did they know that they would soon cross paths with each other. As you may have guessed, Taieel and Michelle met at the local church. In true Taieel and Michelle fashion, both were too shy to say hi to one another. Several Sundays would pass by along with stolen glances and missed opportunities to connect. They were curious about one another but neither could find the words to make an introduction. That was until one Sunday afternoon at Nandos. Alongside a group of friends Taieel and Michelle decided to grab lunch. Taieel knew this was his moment and decided to sit right next to Michelle and there was an undeniable connection and ease between them that felt rare. The conversation flowed effortlessly. They talked about college, travel, music, and their shared interest in Pokemon GO. As the lunch went on, they forgot anyone else was there and Michelle found herself laughing more than she had in a while. Over the next three years, they would continue to meet up during school breaks. They would adventure into DC through museums and restaurant recommendations. The years flew by, but Taieel and Michelle never stopped making time for one another. They continued to build their friendship and had lots of fun along the way. Though they were good friends, each of them had deeper feelings for one another. Again, in true Taieel and Michelle fashion, they were too shy to say it but there were signs. After graduation, they continued to spend loads of time together over the summer up until Michelle left for grad school which coincidentally was during the global pandemic. It was during this time that Taieel realized he did not want to spend another day being just friends. His friend, Spencer, loaned Taieel his car, and he made his way up to Baltimore to confess his feelings. With the help of Michelle’s friends, Nathalie and Kulah, he was able to plan a surprise that she would never forget. With flowers and poster in hand Taieel appeared before Michelle, expressed his feelings, and asked her if she’d be his girlfriend. All praises to God she said yes, and their love story officially began on July 12, 2020. Over the next four years, Taieel and Michelle would come to learn much more about each other and deepen their connection. They grew together through the highs and lows, spent lots of time on family trips and dates, plus matured their faith together. They never lost that feeling of ease and comfort. As their journey continued the desire for the next step grew stronger in Taieel’s heart. He knew that he had found the one person that he wanted to spend forever with. He was confident that the partnership they lovingly crafted through good times and bad, joy and frustration, challenges and triumphs was everything that he wanted in a marriage. So with the help of family, friends, and mentors Taieel made preparations to propose. On August 5th, 2024 they took a stroll down memory lane, hitting all of their favorite spots from the past. They reminisced and laughed and before he knew it Taieel, on one knee, asked Michelle to spend the rest of their lives together. And so, their love story continues today. The summer of 2016 may have been where it all began, but it was just the start of a lifetime of adventures, laughter, and love.