Where to begin? Our love story, or should we call it a puppy love story began during our formative years. We met at Graham Road Elementary School in Falls Church during the late 90s. Every morning before school we’d have breakfast together in the cafeteria with our mutual friends. We’d even spend time together after school in our neighborhood park. Despite being clueless about what “Love” meant, we knew we liked each other. Fate is a funny thing, at the time we never would’ve imagined our playground infatuation would morph into anything more. Fast forward 20 years, we’re getting married!

In the spring of 2001, my family and I moved to Sterling. Sadly, the distance put our puppy-love on hiatus. Since this was pre social media and neither Kareem nor I had cell phones, our ability to remain in contact was challenged, and we eventually drifted apart. As time passed, Kareem moved to Centreville while I remained in Sterling. Despite being only 10 miles away from each other and knowing a lot of the same people, we never crossed paths.

Fast forward to my mid-twenties and fate again reared it’s head. While getting my eyebrows done, I ran into Kareem’s mother at the salon. We spoke briefly and she mentioned that Kareem was going to college in Arkansas. She insisted we exchange numbers so that I could reconnect with Kareem. Kareem and I exchanged a few text messages throughout the following weeks, but again, due to our distance, it didn’t go anywhere.

Does anyone remember Donald Trump’s inauguration? Me neither, but that day will forever stand out to me as the day Kareem slid in my DM’s (direct message). After months of dating, we finally made it official July 4th 2017. Since then, our relationship has been a rollercoaster ride of love, tears, and laughter. Our love for each other has blossomed and flourished as each year progresses! Although I know it’s cliché to say, we truly are best friends!

Thank you for reading our story, we look forward to sharing our special day with you.

Love,

Charlene & Kareem

#TheWinningWorthey #TheWortheyWedding