Against odds, we met on Facebook Dating. Marcus had notifications turned off and decided to not date for the time being. My like went through anyways! We had so many of the same interests. He had pro-wrestling. I had Jiu-Jitsu. I was looking for a guy that was interested in Biblical and philosophical, deep conversations. I was also searching for someone who wasn't afraid of self-improvement. And I was, of course, looking for a classic gentleman who opens the door for me and gets me flowers. Then I saw he went to Emmanuel Baptist for school... Perfect, I thought! (Because I consider myself a Baptist.)

I drove from Onsted, Michigan to Toledo, Ohio to meet him in person. I was nervous since this was my first date without a chaperone. Then he had a work emergency. I waited for 3 HOURS in a parking lot and watched Netflix. I didn't want this opportunity or gas to go to waste. Lol We met at a steakhouse near the mall. It was love at first sight for me. He was wearing the same, blue suit as he was on his dating profile. My heart fluttered with excitement the moment I saw him!

This was Marcus's first day visiting my Jiu-Jitsu gym in Cement City, Michigan. He really enjoyed spending time up there, which sparked his own love for Jiu-Jitsu. In this picture, he was talking to Dan, one of my instructors.

I felt so special on this day! Marcus took me to Mancy's Bluewater. I didn't even remember telling him that I like seafood but he must picked it up somewhere. I always thank him for taking me out to eat because to me the nice restaurants are Texas Roadhouse and Outback. But he just took it to the next level for the first time!

Christian, one of my best friends and bridesmaids, snapped this photo of Marcus and I. Makes me smile every time I see it.

This was a tough day. I felt sick, trying to win some of these Jiu-Jitsu matches. But I worked my way up to 3rd place in this tournament. Marcus has always supported and cheered me on.

Marcus, taking the first steps in buying our future home!

Marcus and I attended AJ and Dianah's wedding. During the reception, I was too nervous to dance. I told him I'd rather just watch everyone have fun. When no one was on the dance floor, Marcus was feeling his spontaneous self. And he convinced me to do what I love. Jiu-Jitsu! He knew I couldn't turn him down. AJ will never let us live it down.

We went to Cedar Point together for Marcus's birthday. I went on my first rollercoasters. As you can see the first one, The Gatekeeper, was a little rough for me. Meanwhile, Marcus was having the time of his life! LOL

Mind you... We're talking from Toledo to Onsted, which is an hour apart. This was such a magical moment that meant the world to me.

Marcus drove me to a Jiu-Jitsu tournament in Detroit. Afterwards we went horseback riding and ate lobster tacos which were amazing. That short time was like a vacation!

Date night at a realtor's holiday banquet!

We already knew we were getting married before Marcus proposed. I convinced him to go with me to a bridal show.

He got me flowers! I walked in the room to find this setup. So special!

Marcus has always been the adventurer and risk-taker. Exploring off the trail, climbing up high heights. I love the outdoors, but I also love the ground! Haha

I surprised Marcus with 3 comedy shows in 2023. This picture is of us waiting in line for Dave Chapelle, one of his favorite comedians. He never thought he'd want to go but I bought the tickets anyway. At every show, he seriously laughed harder than me!

Marcus purposed! I said YES! Also, he snuck in flowers, a coffee and a card in the car for me to find on my way to work.

I said YES to the dress! After watching countless episode of Say Yes to the Dress, wedding dress Facebook reels, and seeing Pinterest pictures, I almost immediately found my dream dress at Atlas Bridal. I'm so excited for you all to see it, mostly Marcus of course. ;)