Derrick and I first met on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Calvert County Baptist Church following morning service. What began as a simple introduction quickly turned into something special. We spent the remainder of that day talking on the phone, learning about each other’s childhoods, sharing life experiences, and discovering just how much we had in common. From that very first conversation, there was a natural connection that neither of us could ignore.

Soon after, we went on our first date and shared dinner together at Eggspectation in Gambrills, Maryland. Between laughter, meaningful conversation, and getting lost in the moment, it became clear that something beautiful was beginning to unfold.

By October 2024, Derrick had already begun planning our future. In a heartfelt and thoughtful gesture, he asked my mother for my hand in marriage, knowing he would soon ask me to spend the rest of my life with him.

On Monday, October 28, 2024, I traveled to Montreal, Canada, for a Strategic Planning work event. A few days later, on October 31, Derrick flew to Montreal to surprise me and met me at Hôtel Place d’Armes. The next morning, November 1, we stepped out together to explore the charming city and decided to have breakfast at Eggspectation — intentionally choosing the same restaurant where we had shared our very first date in the United States.

As we sat enjoying breakfast and sipping mimosas, Derrick reached across the table, pulled out a ring, and asked the question that would change our lives forever:

“Will you marry me?”

Completely surprised, I burst into laughter — the joyful, overwhelming kind that comes when your heart is full and your dreams are unfolding right before your eyes. For nearly two minutes, I laughed without saying a word, while Derrick looked on, slightly puzzled, wondering if my laughter was my way of processing the moment. It may have also been the mimosa helping the excitement along.

Finally, Derrick gently asked, “Is that a yes or a no?”

Through laughter and happy tears, I finally answered, “Yes.”

On November 1, 2024, in the beautiful city of Montreal, we became officially engaged — marking the beginning of our forever, built on faith, friendship, laughter, and love. 💍✨