Both fairly new to the DMV area, Whitney and Kenji’s story started like many others....they swiped right on an online dating app. After a few stops and starts, they finally decided to meet up at Mi Vida restaurant at the Wharf Waterfront. That day however, could have gone a very different way. After returning from a work trip a bit later than expected, Kenji cancelled Friday night drinks. Then a date for Sunday was set but Kenji was sick with pink eye. At this point, Whitney thought Kenji might be “catfishing” her. Not be be held up by a “minor illness” (pink eye ain't minor, y’all) Whitney threw out a line which Kenji did not expect: “well put an eye patch on and LET’S GO!!” Off to Mi Vida they went to have drinks and then back to Kenji’s place to watch Insecure (one of Whitney’s favorite shows!). A good time was had by all and another date was made for that following Tuesday which consisted of kickball practice (Whitney was heavily involved in two competitive leagues at the time) and tacos. After a glorious first kiss, a 3rd “mega date” was set up for that following Saturday. Date 3 consisted of brunch (at which time Kenji told Whitney he was going to marry her), a failed attempt to go look at puppies, a Nats game, and an epically-long trek deep into Maryland to get Whitney's phone which was left in an Uber. It was after that day they decided spending more time together would probably be a great idea.

Amazingly, this quote is relevant. The plan was for Kenji to propose at the conclusion of a Half Marathon on Nov. 3rd with friends and family present. But before that could happen, one day while at lunch, Whitney and Nana got into a conversation about how it was OK to buck trends. Nana stated that if the love was there, a ring was not necessary. As Whitney relayed the message to Kenji, he got the genius idea to do it right then and there. But... lets just say it wasn’t a good time. Later that day, on the couch, he mustered the courage and ringless, he asked Whitney to be his bride. Thus with no ring but an agreement in place, the couple decided to keep the engagement under wraps. Then came "The Dress." Fast forward a week. Whitney got a notification of a sale at a bridal boutique she adored and wanted to take her Mom and Nana with her. But how could she bring them without spilling the beans? So the decision was made to start telling family. The subject of borrowing Nana's ring came up and she agreed. Once they arrived at Nana's to pick up the ring, Kenji opened the box and there sat not only a family heirloom, but a beautiful and perfect engagement ring. With Nana being the only other person in the room, Kenji got down on one knee and proceeded to give....an interesting and very Kenji-like proposal... "Whitney, I love you and you motive me. Will you continue to motivate me and marry me?" With a tear in her eye, Whitney accepted and made Kenji the happiest man in the world. And just like something out of a movie, the ring fit perfectly and Nana decided to let them “borrow” it until they have their own granddaughter to give it to one day.