Searching for companionship in a modern way, we admittedly give Bumble (a dating app) the credit of bringing us together! Philip swiped right & Danielle found the right guy 💚

On our first date in March 2019, we met up at the University of Maryland Architecture Building — Philip was studying for his masters & Danielle’s alumni stomping grounds. We bonded over architectural design & blushing with every shy glance. Segueing to the Jumbo Jumbo Cafe, we discussed food, music, future travel plans, & anything that popped in our minds.

The next few months were a flurry — meeting up at architecture school, watching Game of Thrones, eating $5 burritos, hammock cuddling on McKeldon Mall, crashing a garden party in DC, training + jiu jitsu, and plenty of laughing.

Beginning of June 2019, Philip was on a mission to finish the Tough Mudder (10 miles & 20+ obstacles) in Virginia, which Danielle gleefully joined & cheered from the sidelines. Once back home & relaxed with face masks, we napped and woke up to pillow talking when Philip asked “Do you want to be my girlfriend?” with a resounding response of “YES!” The next first official day, we attended Florence & The Machine concert at the Merriweather Post Pavillon, where we have attended plenty of concerts since!

Throughout the Covid-era, we stayed by each other’s side. We met each other’s family throughout Maryland and some special friends afar. We still managed to travel & explore together from New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia & Virginia. Most recently to Connecticut, Tennesse & Costa Rica.

In 2021, we welcomed Oscar Blue Waters Dayao into our family & soon grew to have several fur cousins. Philip virtually graduated with Masters of Architecture & in 2022 finally graduated in-person & celebrated at the infamous architecture building. Ever since, we have flourished with our architectural & sustainable design careers in the District of Columbus, and made a humble home together in The Arts District of Hyattsville, Maryland 🌿

The last five years have flown by!! We have filled our time with delicious food, riffing music, nature exploring, DIY projects, humor & love for each other. We hope to have our nuptial ceremony surrounded by our favorite friends, family & of course Oscar — who have supported us throughout & beyond 💫