Technically the first time they met was at a local concert in Des Moines back in 2010- Mike Posner was performing. Their encounter was brief, not to mention they were too young and naive to develop any sort of connection. Thus they went on with their lives, until eight years later... Where they "met" again at a mutual friend's pool party. It did not take long for them to gravitate toward one another and immediately their chemistry bloomed. They both left the party neglecting to collect any form of communication or plans to see one another again. Thanks to social media, TeRae found a way to contact Clarissa. From there they finally went on our first date, and never separated after that. All it took was one date to know, it was meant to be. Now here they are.

TeRae and Clarissa are both Iowa Natives. Both were born and raised in the 515 area. TeRae went to Valley High School and Clarissa went to Norwalk. Although they crossed paths during their teen years, they went on about their business. TeRae went to Kirkland Community College and Clarissa went to Iowa State University. Clarissa eventually graduated from ISU, and took a year off where she lived in Des Moines. Within this year was where Clarissa and TeRae crossed paths. Fast forward to August 2019 when they went out on their first adventure and we moved to Roanoke, VA. Clarissa went back to school and they started a new chapter. They created their first home together, met new friends, and created new memories. In May 2021 Clarissa graduated from school and they knew Roanoke was not the ideal forever home. They finally decided to move to Northern Virginia. Clarissa began her career as a Respiratory Therapist at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. While TeRae started his career in hospitality with Hilton Hotels. As the journey still continues both still continue to prosper and take advantage of everything the world has to offer. "As long as we got each other, we know it will all work out for the better."

It was a random, cold, Tuesday night and TeRae had been eager to eat in Georgetown Waterfront so I made reservations at Sequoia. I had just woken up from working an overnight shift at the hospital, and I was tired. In fact, we almost cancelled our reservations. Despite all odds, we made it out. We enjoyed ourselves on some drinks and amazing food for most of the night. Not a second went by did I suspect anything. Once we finished, we planned to get some dessert in the waterfront area. When we left the restaurant we took in the beautiful evening, watched people ice skating, and just truly enjoyed the moment. During this moment I looked up and saw one of TeRae's friends walking. I found it quite odd he was there, gave him hug, and when I turned around... I saw TeRae getting on his knees. Our friend prepped his camera and began videotaping the moment. I could not stop smiling. I said yes and we held each other for the rest of the night. This was it. The moment we had both been waiting for. We are getting MARRIED.