We're Getting Married!

We met at the Orlando Convention Center the week after Thanksgiving 2011, working as we always do. We were supporting our organizations during the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC). Quintal didn't think much of our first contact, but for me it was the proverbial LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. No sparks flew that day or in the next few years to come. We were simply in completely different spaces and time. However, we did foster a friendship during this time, which was the foundation for what was to come. Fast forward to 2016.... the stars finally aligned, sparks flew and love bearing atoms exploded in us both. At that moment, when Love knocked we simultaneously opened our doors to let love in. Our hearts have been filled with joy, excitement and a profound happiness from that day on.

Since the day ‘sparks’ flew, I knew marriage was our destiny. As we were driving home for my Grandma's 90th birthday party in Sep., Brodwrick grabbed my hand and asked if I wanted to be involved in ring shopping. My heart skipped a beat to know that he was officially thinking about marriage and with no hesitation I showed him the pic of my dream ring I had saved on my phone. Time passed and he had numerous trips to 'Best Buy’, which I later learned was code for 'at the jewelry store'. Brodwrick wears his heart on his sleeve and when he's passionate about something, he has to let you know. So, he spilled the beans that the ring was being custom made. I generally knew when it would be ready, so around mid-December I started expecting THE question. Christmas and New Years passed….still nothing. So, I knew it just had to be my birthday, January 27. But…he completely caught me off guard and proposed January 21 while in West Palm Beach for my bestie's birthday. I should have known something was up because here we were at this beautiful resort, by the pool with DRINKS, and he could not relax. As we were returning to our room, he wanted to take pics. He goes to ask someone to take the pic (I’m thinking…why is it taking him so long?). Unknowingly to me, he was letting the guy know he was proposing. Brodwrick then grabs both my hands and positions me so that I’m facing him (I’m thinking…are we going to take this pic or what??). He begins to profess his love for me (I’m still not thinking anything because this is normal..he HOURLY lets me know he loves me). Then to my complete surprise, he drops to one knee and pulls a ring box from somewhere (he had on swim trunks) and asks me to marry him. I said YES!!! But my next thought was…wait my hair isn’t done (I had worn my head wrap to the pool)! In that moment, it was just us, our love and our promise of forever. I’m looking forward to December 30, 2017…the day I become Mrs. Quintal L. Battle! 143 to Infinity….

After sparks finally began to fly, I knew in my heart that I could not let her go. She was the one for me and at some point I had to make that decision that men in love make, which was how do I make her my Wife? She fits me like a glove meanwhile opening my eyes to things that I had been blind to up until this point. Then it happened, she fell in love with me and the door was open for me to walk through and barricade from the inside. My barricade came in the form of a Ring. I purchased the Engagement Ring on 17 Dec 2016. After a 3 month design process, it was in my hand. Now it’s burning a proverbial hole in my pocket, good thing her birthday is just around the corner. The question is can I wait that long, NO I cannot. I proposed to her on 21 January 2017 at the PGA Resort Palm Beach FL. The mood was on point and the scenery, her and I by the pool at a resort, how could I wait. So I popped the question it went something like this: Wait I cannot remember a word I said that day. I just know my heart was racing, I thought it was going to beat its way out of my chest. So I mumbled something, she must have understood because I came to at the beautiful sound of her voice saying, YES, YES I WILL MARRY YOU. I stood from kneeling and screamed to the crowd that was applauding SHE SAID YES and placed the ring on her finger and we were engaged. Now we can’t wait to celebrate with you on our special day. See you soon.