Our Story A swipe on a dating app and a spark on our first date ignited something special. The connection was immediate and impossible to ignore. Our First Date – Lib’s Grill (February 1, 2024) The first date was simple. Bryana was immediately drawn to Marcus’ intentionality and genuine interest, while Marcus was excited to meet someone who was open to a genuine connection and naturally matched his energy. Over dinner they talked until the restaurant closed, and even after saying goodnight, the conversation continued through late-night texts. From that very first evening, something felt refreshing and rare. First Kiss (February 25, 2024) They had four wonderful dates, each focused on simply getting to know one another. Bryana quietly wondered whether Marcus was just enjoying her company or if he saw the possibility of something more. That question was answered after dinner. Marcus walked her to the car and pulled her in for their first kiss, assuring that he saw real potential between them and was committed to taking their time growing together. A Date a Week (Spring 2024) Their weekly dates quickly turned into adventures — Dave & Buster’s, Korean BBQ, movies, axe throwing, pizza nights, an arcade night and bar hopping in Federal Hill, double dates with friends, VR Sandbox, sushi at Nara-Ya, and a sneaker night at the Wizards game. Around Easter, they began introducing each other to the people who mattered most — close friends, parents, and Camille. They also shared quieter moments — baking, cooking, just being together. What began as simple weekly dates gradually grew into something much deeper. “What is your Timeline?” (March 9, 2024) On a cold, rainy Saturday, Bryana and Marcus decided to meet up. Over dinner at Chido’s, the conversation turned reflective when Bryana asked Marcus a question: if he met his dream girl that day, how long would it take him to marry her? Without hesitation, he said two years, then asked if that sounded too fast for her. Bryana smiled and said it didn’t — adding that it looked like they were officially on the clock. Marcus smiled and agreed. Let’s Make it Official (June 8, 2024) Marcus surprised Bryana with a fully planned day, arriving with six roses and taking her to Dopamine Land before a special dinner in Annapolis. That night he shared his intentions and asked her to be his girlfriend. First “I Love You” (June 28, 2024) While walking back from the beach in St. Maarten, they shared their first “I love you.” Growing Together (Summer 2024 – Fall 2025) Over the next year, Bryana and Marcus experienced many seasons of life while learning each other deeply. A foundation of trust developed, and they discovered just how complementary they truly are. Time filled with travel and shared experiences — from their first family trip with Camille to Florida and Legoland, multiple trips to North Carolina and New Jersey to spend time with family and friends, and countless opportunities to bring the best parts of their worlds together. They also completed premarital classes, intentionally seeking to understand what God desires from and for them in covenant and preparing for a marriage rooted in faith and purpose. The Proposal (October 18, 2025) After a casual trip to look at engagement rings, Bryana confidently—and very incorrectly—shared predictions with friends and family about when a proposal might happen. Little did she know that in the weeks following her birthday party, Marcus, close friends, and both of their parents started secretly coordinating every detail to create the perfect moment. He marked the calendar with a special date night, selected a dress for the occasion, and surprised her by asking her to become his wife.