The love story of Darrian and Emmanuel began where most would like them to, in the mind. Emmanuel always described his ideal partner as a God-fearing, effortlessly glowing, driven woman who was as breathtakingly beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Darrian always described her partner as a loyal, hardworking, God-fearing man who was tall & chocolate. On Wednesday, March 30, 2022, something divine was on the horizon. It was prayer night at Elevation Church and Emmanuel was in mid-prayer asking God to reveal someone or something that would break him through to arrive closer to his purpose in life. In mid prayer, his phone was ringing, getting calls back-to-back from a friend. After prayer night concluded, Emmanuel called the friend back asking what was going on. The friend explained that he knew a lady that he’d like for Emmanuel to meet. Emmanuel, flattered by the thought, asked to see a picture of her. He was immediately smitten and in a foreshadowing manner asked “Is that my wife, or is she playing?” Safe to say now that no one was playing. However, at the time, pride almost got in the way of something special. The friend that reached out to Emmanuel then reached out to Darrian and there was a mutual attraction, but Darrian communicated she would only be open to getting to know Emmanuel if he texted her first. When Emmanuel learned of this, he said to himself, “Oh Well.” Very silly now, but serious at the time. After about 30 minutes of stubbornness, Emmanuel took a second look at the picture and sent the first text “Yo, What’s good, I’m Emmanuel, but everyone calls me E, I know that you are beautiful, but I would love to know more.” Darrian replies “Hey, I’m Darrian and I have a dog named Luna.” Not exactly sparks on the first few virtual communications. The flame would light on their first phone call conversation. In a 4-hour conversation full of laughs, autobiographical accounts, flirting, and hypotheticals, the most anticipated first date of all time was planned for April 19, 2022. The lovebirds were equally nervous and excited for what was about to transpire. Darrian went shopping at several stores at the mall for the perfect outfit for the date. Emmanuel went out to purchase flowers and a deep conversation card game to make sure that the vibes were right. When the day arrived, the two met at an escape room, and in an extremely foreshadowing manner, the two did not escape the room, and they did not escape each other’s hearts from that day forward. After that first date, four more dates followed in the same week. On the second date, while sharing their first kiss on a rooftop overlooking the Charlotte Skyline, the two knew they were in love and have been inseparable ever since.   Today, their love story is one that is consistently forged ahead by constant reminders of what built the connection all along. Their motto is to never get comfortable and treat one another as if they are still pursuing one another. Their favorite activities are celebrating monthiversaries, shopping, coffee shop hopping, exploring neighborhoods on foot, dinner dates, binge-watching dating shows, discovering new Trader Joe’s snacks, coordinating their outfits, traveling, doing photoshoots, and above all, gallivanting around with their poodle princess, Luna. In many ways, their love aligns with the concept of divine validation. Divine validation is the good that happens to people when they finally begin to walk in their purpose. God sends subtle signs, reminders, moments, and blessings to let you know you are on the right path in your life. Darrian and Emmanuel are each other’s purpose, which is why their relationship has been full of prosperity. On August 8, 2026, they align under God, reflecting his love and image in a covenant that is the foundation for a family to come.