Jerome and Dominique met more than a decade ago in high school band class. Jerome set his eyes on Dominique first, but she was too busy and "cool" to talk to the younger boy. Fortunately for both of them, he didn't give up. Eventually, they would chat everyday... or she'd sass him. It depends on who you're talking to. Right before Christmas, Dominique stayed up all night baking a variety of cookies and putting them in bags to give to her friends. When she had a few extra left, she made sure she got a bag for Jerome to take with him. He says that's when he started to fall in love. They continued building their friendship into the following year when to both of their surprise, Dominique became the teacher's assistant for Jerome's French II class. They were both happy to see each other everyday again.

After a few years of living separate lives, they became an official couple in November of 2013. Even with no car between them for a few years and living an hour and a half away from each other at a minimum, they stayed strong and overcame any obstacle thrown at them together. They spent years constantly doing whatever they could to make each other happy, whether that meant going to family events, making each other's favorite foods (Jerome has still not been forgiven for egg shells in her scrambled eggs), and Dominique dragging Jerome to concerts he didn't really want to go to. Seriously, a Beyonce concert in the pouring rain and a Bruno Mars concert where Dominique screamed the whole time?! Someone get this man a medal! ...But in all fairness, Dominique did win a contest to get Jerome a meet and greet with Tinashe, so she considers them even.

For a few years, Dominique dropped super "subtle" hints that she was ready to take the next step and get married. And while Jerome knew that he wanted to be with her forever, he knew the right time would come. So almost 6 years later, Jerome tried to be sneaky and pick up a ring on the way to pick up Dominique. After taking way too long and sending her into a panic, she figured out what he was doing and kept it a secret for almost A WHOLE WEEK. That Thursday, Jerome suggested that they go to Dominique's favorite restaurant after work. They talked and laughed over dinner and drinks at the High Street Caffe and during dessert, Jerome got down on one knee and popped the question she'd been waiting for! They are so excited to start the next chapter of their lives together and can't wait to celebrate with you in March 2021!