How They Met | Alexis and Aryanna met in Eswatini while serving in the Peace Corps. Alexis was a youth development volunteer working in her village’s high school. Aryanna was a HIV/AIDS mitigation volunteer who worked at her local health clinic. The two quickly became friends as they sat side by side for weeks on end during training. Their friendship quickly blossomed into something more.

Making It Official | While the two were separated for a week during permanent site visits, they would stay on the phone for hours talking. It was during one of these late night conversations that Alexis asked Aryanna to make it official and be her girlfriend.

First Date | The pair's first official date was at a South African chain restaurant called Spur (equivalent to Chili's or Applebee's in America. They enjoyed delicious burgers and fries and overpriced mini canned sodas before returning to their hotel. The couple stayed at the newly opened Hilton in Mbabane and relished the free high speed internet and air conditioning.

Pandemic Love | On March 18, 2020, their lives were turned upside down along with the rest of the world as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe. Peace Corps ceased international volunteer efforts, and the two were evacuated back to the U.S. Like so many, the young couple were naive about what was to come. They spent countless hours on WhatsApp as they re-adjusted to life back home. On May 23, they finally got to see each other in person after being apart for 8 weeks. This picture is from their first date in the U.S. at Artec House.

Orlando Vacation | "This is by far one of the best trips we've ever taken!" The two started the trip by getting some sun at a small local beach. It was a quiet and relaxing day-- the perfect lead up to Orlando Studios the following day. At the park, they visited Harry Potter World and got to ride so many fun and crazy rides (Alexis proved to be a bit more adventurous than Aryanna). One of their favorite rides was Hagrid's Motorbike, which was faster than expected.

Virginia Beach Vacation | The duo had planned an exciting vacation to Puerto Rico, but God had other plans! After sitting on the tarmac for hours during a storm and enduring endless canceled flights, they decided to cut their losses and road trip to Virginia Beach instead. They spent a week laying on the beach, dressing up for dinner, and hunting down vintage video games. They were able to turn this lemon into lemonade and it was oh so sweet.

Wedding Planning | No this is not a typo. The two began wedding planning before they were even engaged. They began researching wedding options and decided that they wanted to get married in the Carolinas, so the two took a roadtrip in early October to visit venues. Like Goldilocks, the first venue was too stiff, but the second one was just right. They fell head over heels with Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens. The owners, Mrs. Pontheolla and Mr. Paul, were a delight and the two felt at home. Aryanna and Alexis looked at each other and they knew this would be their venue.

Alexis Pops the Question | On their 4 year anniversary, Alexis decided to pop the question. The theme for this anniversary was all about pampering, relaxation and fun, so the two started the day off at a lovely Washington, DC spa. They received hot stone massages, facials and mani-pedis. Pressed for time since the pampering ran long, they quickly dressed for dinner reservations at DC’s Nobu (or so Aryanna thought). Instead, Alexis surprised Aryanna with a candlelit Winter Wonderland Igloo experience overlooking the Potomac River on the rooftop of DC’s very own LaVie Restaurant. As soon as they stepped off of the elevator, Alexis dropped down to one knee and proposed to a very stunned, and yes crying, Aryanna who immediately said “yes!” The night ended with them sharing Aryanna’s favorite dessert-Crème Brulee.

Aryanna Proposes to Alexis | The week before leaving for 3 months of training for work, Aryanna arranged for Alexis to be out of their home attending a comedy show in nearby Baltimore, MD. While Alexis was out, Aryanna got busy decorating their home. She covered the walls of the entrance and stairwell with photos of some of their most memorable times along with screenshots of some of their WhatsApp conversations. Aryanna littered the pathway with rose throughout the years. The pathway was covered with rose petals and illuminated with candles and string lights. Nervously, Aryanna waited as she heard Alexis arrive and began giggling while she ascended the stairs, looking at each photo on the walls. Alexis reached the top of the stairs and rounded the corner where she was greeted by Aryanna on bended knee. Under the lights of the illuminated “Marry Me” sign, Aryanna proposed to Alexis. Alexis immediately said “Yes!”