It was June 2022. The pandemic was easing, and DC was starting to feel alive again. While life was full and good, and things were falling into place, we both recognized that sharing it with someone special would make it even more extraordinary. For the second time, our profiles crossed paths on a dating app—and we both decided that maybe, just maybe, love could be found in a swipe.

Jaida would say that from the start, our conversations were electric—effortless, thoughtful, and full of range. Terrance would say that even before hearing her voice or seeing her face, he could sense Jaida’s significance from their messages alone. Our conversations quickly shifted from lighthearted chats about pop culture and travel to deep dives into politics, social justice, faith, and family. We admired each other's intellect, passions, and energy. It was easy, natural—and somehow, endless. Even now, we never run out of things to say.

Our first date took place at RPM in DC, and it somehow stretched into a seven-hour experience. Terrance remembers the exact moment Jaida walked in—the way she lit up the room with every step and how engaging she was over dinner. Jaida, in turn, recalls the ease of the evening—how one topic tumbled into the next, punctuated by laughter, stolen glances, and shared smiles across the table, all while silently thinking to herself, “He’s giving husband vibes.”

At the time, we were both navigating exciting yet demanding seasons in our lives. Jaida was stepping into a new role at Planned Parenthood, championing voices and driving change for a cause close to her heart. Terrance was settling into a rhythm between work and ministry, preparing for a busy season of organizing ahead of the midterm election.

After some easygoing conversation, we started talking about what we were each looking for in this season. Jaida shared the things that were most important to her in a partner—all substantive and meaningful. At the top of her list was “A man of God.” When she finished, Terrance hesitated briefly and then said, “It’s funny you say that, because... I’m a pastor.” It was a pivotal moment, and neither of us was quite sure what would come next. But our casual evening turned into something we both wanted to see play out. We walked away that night knowing this was the start of something different—something special.

One date quickly turned into many. Not long after, Terrance was on the brink of saying “I love you,” but instead hesitated and said, “I... I more than like you.” It stuck. Now, whether we're breaking the tension, sharing a playful moment, or simply reminding each other how deep our connection runs, one of us will hold up a greater-than sign with our fingers and say, “I more than like you.” It’s a reminder that our love is abundant, overflowing, and always greater than the words we can find.

The adventures came quickly and continued across our relationship. A few months later, we found ourselves hiking beneath the tallest redwood trees on the planet outside Sausalito, road-tripping along the Pacific Coast Highway at sunset while curating a 90’s R&B playlist, listening to live jazz at Blues Alley in DC, taking a SoulCycle class in New York, spending Christmas with family in Memphis, and racing across waves on jet skis in Puerto Rico.

Some of our fondest memories are dancing under the lights at a Childish Gambino concert, sharing quiet moments listening to Nikki Giovanni’s poetry at the Kennedy Center, and celebrating milestones together—like Terrance receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. From family gatherings to quiet Sunday afternoons, every moment has felt like another chapter in a story we both love writing together.

After years of building memories and growing in love, Terrance planned a night that would mark the beginning of our next chapter. On September 28th, 2024, Terrance shared that he had a special evening planned. What seemed like a casual date turned into something extraordinary when we arrived at the Four Seasons in Baltimore. A private space reserved just for us was overflowing with red roses, candles, and framed photos capturing cherished moments from the past two years.

Terrance took Jaida’s hand, looked her in the eyes, got down on one knee, and asked her to be his wife. He said, "You’ve always felt like home," and Jaida knew she felt the exact same way. The night unfolded beautifully—celebrating with family, sharing an intimate dinner at The Charleston, and soaking in live music that carried us into the night.

At the heart of our love is a deep alignment in values—faith, justice, love, legacy, and a shared desire to create something beautiful. We've been intentional about keeping our story sacred and are deeply grateful for the relationship we share today. We show up for each other, root for each other, and believe in each other fiercely. We complement one another in ways that feel both natural and profound—Terrance with his steady, quiet strength, and Jaida with her bold, outward passion. And somewhere along the way, we’ve built our own language of love.

We hope this gives you a glimpse into the connection we’ve built and makes you just as excited to celebrate our union. We can’t wait to step into this next chapter—together, and with you by our side.

See you at the altar on March 8th!

With love, J&T

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