We met at a Chrismas eve party. Before then, I had seen Michelle at church. She had this distinct smile, you know. I didn't even know her name but man she'd always be laughing and giggling with her friends. She had this welcoming vibe, like you'd talk to her for a minute and to her, you're a friend already; I still make fun of her about that. Fast forward to Christmas eve; party is over and a mutual friend and I were standing in the parking lot chatting up when Michelle walks up to drop something in her car. It was pitch black, I couldn't tell whom it was but this mutual friend noticed it's her, then calls her over, they had their lil chat and he introduces me right before Michelle left. She was very articulate (as I later found she's a spoken word artist); she spoke very humbly like she was shy or something. Days later, I'm talking to my friend and I asked what's Michelle's deal? like is she seeing or talking to anyone? Only one way to find out, so my friend suggests I reach out, I thought that was too direct, so I told him to find out if she was ok with him giving me her number; she agreed. After a few texts we went on our first date; remember it like it was yesterday. We had a good time, great convo -- faith, family, careers, childhood, adulthood, and aspirations. She really loves God, for real...without compromise. She has values as a woman of God too, and I admired that about her. We would talk about faith more than anything, share devotional notes during the day. So I thought this could be it! Not so much, cause it wasn't easy from that point... she played hard to get. So hard that she almost faked on me on our 2nd date to a basketball game in DC... Michelle not only loves to hoop but she played in competitive tournaments, so I could only pin it to one reason -- she wanted me to know she wasn't easy. One evening after our 3rd date, I popped the question. And that began what has been almost 3 years of best-friendship, spiritual growth, laughs, ups & downs.

During a Christmas party I was introduced to Fred by a mutual friend. Prior to that, I hadn't really spoken to him beyond a "hi, how are you" conversation, and our introduction was no different. I remember him as the quiet guy who sings in the choir, but nothing much more. A couple of days later, I received a text from an unknown number and it was Fred. As my curving game was super strong, I thought I'll do the same here but I was wrong. During our first conversation, what piqued my attention was how articulate he was. I know that's so unusual, but he challenged my mind with his range of vocabulary. Yes, I still have to use the dictionary app sometimes in our conversations, but I've gotten used to him now lol. After several texts and phone conversations, I noticed how his interests and outlook on life aligned with mine but I had to test and see if he was forreal or not. So here we go test 1, lol, just kidding. On our first in-person outing, we went to a Wizards basketball game. Even though I am huge LAKER fan, he chose the right place to see my competitive and loud nature come out at. No worries, I held it down. I was composed and well mannered in the arena. Second outing, we went to a salsa dance class. I know but trust me it wasn't my pick, it was his. Many people don't know but Fred has been salsa dancing since his college days. He wanted to show me a glimpse of his passion and he sure did after that day; he is on some Dancing With The Stars level. To this day, he's the only African guy I know whom I've questioned whether he was born in a Latin country. After several more outings, I really got to know his passion for Computing Science and Tech (yeah he's such a geek), family values, singing, etc. However, what particularly stood out to me was his view of God. His perspective on the faith challenged me and made me dig deeper. So here we are, we've decided to take the big step and get.....married!

Our first weekend as a dating couple, we went to the Wharf in DC; a beautiful day, sunny, and a tad windy. I gazed at her as she soaked in all the naturals ---God's wonder as she put it. So for the proposal, I took her back there. Must say, I had the best partners in her girls girls, to see this through. To keep this a surprise meant working out details early (around May) cause Michelle starts playing detective at the smallest hint at a setup. Her girls and I went to scout the place, planned the outdoor setup, backup options, for bad weather etc. Best advice brothers ---get her girls to do the planning. Their imaginations are wild man, out of this world, you won't believe it. There were three key dates to do this: Thanksgiving, her birthday (week before TG), or Christmas. She'd catch on if we picked any of those dates. So we picked weekend after Thanksgiving --family was in town, her friends were home for the break as well. Here's the plan that almost bit us: her sister(@makeupbynimoh), was in town from LA, so they'd go out, saying she wanted her to accompany her to a shop or something. Meanwhile, her big sis @loveeroselyn, @moedigga, and @brandi1121 were decorating the spot we had picked on our scout. When they were done shopping, @makeupbynimoh would bring her to a fav "restaurant" in DC. Two problems here: can't believe I forgot how long ladies shop (no offense)... It was 30, toe-numbing cold, on the pier at the river... I'll leave it there. Second, how would @makeupbynimoh convince her to come to DC to eat, when home was closer? Well, that's why you leave it up to her girls, fellas. At last, they arrived. We all went into hiding as they approached the decor setup from a distance. S/O to @moedigga for meeting them and bringing them our direction in the guise of a photo-op. Had a whole speech written, but boy oh boy, those nerves rushed in like an avalanche. As you've read about us, may I remind you of something more profound, The Love of God! See Romans 8:31-39.