Marvin and Serena knew each other for almost 7 years, before any inclination that dating was an option. Marvin and Serena had mutual friends through their Detroit and Michigan State connection. Years of attending various social events in DC, speaking, and even exchanging numbers (with no type of communication afterwards). Finally in September of 2016 at the Michigan Delegation Congressional Black Caucus event, an evening of talking and dancing, led to the first date and then the story began. After some time dating, Marvin and Serena officially became a couple in January of 2018. After a really strong year of growth, learning each other, fun times and the joys of being together, Marvin planned a surprise engagement one year from the date of the start of their relationship. On January 20, 2019, Serena thought they were going to get a drink before dinner, and she was surprised to find out that Marvin had booked a space on U St. and worked for months to coordinate and organize a surprise with 50 of their closest family and friends, some who even traveled in town, to share this special occasion. After nearly over a year of planning, COVID hit and derailed our plans. Instead of cancelling, we moved forward with our original date of September 6, 2020 and took 12 of our closest friends and family to Moab, UT for #TheGrandElopement2020. We then postponed and downgraded our original plans to now join in celebration with a small group on June 6, 2021 at #YatesenBlanc