We actually met in middle school and had common friends, but were never quite that close until college. We became best friends and would always call on each other to workout, study, attend random college events, and seek relationship advice from one another. It was only after graduation and starting our careers that we started forming feelings for each other. Tonya was in denial of those feelings, but little did she know Derrick felt the same way. After a long day of what Tonya thought was a normal hangout, Derrick had actually been dying to confess his feelings for her. And so finally he did….at their neighborhood park….before she had to go to a dinner with a different guy (whom no one really liked, because everyone was team Derrick). It took little to no time for Tonya to express her reciprocated feelings. From then on, we began making this long lived flame a reality.

The idea suits our style more and the planning is at a pace we can thoroughly enjoy. We also prefer doing things a little less conventional.

We like finding new places to eat and experiencing local events/activities (ranging from art to music to sports).

Having similar upbringings helped shape our aligned values. As first-generation Americans to parents from relatively poor countries, we both learned to appreciate the little things. We witnessed firsthand the importance of diligence and sacrifice in caring for and loving others, lessons we've carried forward in framing our vision for our future together.