Her version (The right version): It was 2021, and I was completely over dating. One night, as I scrolled through Instagram, I came across Antwan’s profile. He kept liking my stories but never said a word. Curious, I tried looking him up, but his profile was private, and he had no photos for me to judge. I couldn’t figure out why he kept liking my stories but wouldn’t start a conversation.

So, I did a little digging. I discovered that he was a teacher, and we had a lot of mutual friends—strange because I’d never seen him before. Finally, I decided to make the first move and DM’d him, figuring he was too scared to speak up first. We exchanged messages for hours on that first day, which led to video chats where he never wanted to hang up. He couldn’t get enough of me. Eventually, I gave him my number, but he didn’t call right away.

When he finally did, we decided to meet up. I invited him over to my house, and we had our first few driveway dates—where he was given one of my infamous margaritas. He swears that his drink was drugged because he got down on one knee in the street and asked me to marry him on the driveway date. Of course it wasn’t, it was just destiny in the making.

He finally asked me out on a date in which I accepted. I got all dolled up and made the necessary arrangements for a sitter as I prepared for the night. As I called Antwan to confirm for the evening, he didn’t answer. If you know Antwan, you know he works like crazy! However, I didn’t know that just yet. Him not answering, left me wondering if we were still on or not. I assumed he stood me up. I politely sent him a very long text stating that this wasn’t going to work! To my surprise, he replied back with “Ok. This stunned me! Instead of calling it quits, we discussed better ways to communicate and still met up for dinner.

From that moment on, it was clear that Antwan and I were meant to be. We’ve continued to connect over our love for travel, making memories in new places while sipping cocktails and laughing until our cheeks hurt. Instagram may have been where we started, but it’s now where we share our journey, documenting our adventures and the little moments that make life so sweet. I’m so glad that I slid into his DM’s!

(His version): It all started with a series of likes. Antwan, scrolling through Instagram, found himself captivated by Toni’s beauty and intriguing stories. Whether it was her infectious smile or witty captions, Antwan couldn’t resist double-tapping. Post after post, story after story, he left a trail of likes that didn’t go unnoticed.

Toni, ever confident, decided to take the reins. She slid into Antwan’s DMs with a playful, “You must really like my content. Should I thank you now or later?” Antwan’s smooth response: “Just appreciating art when I see it.” That was the spark. Their conversations grew longer and more personal with each passing day.

After weeks of chatting, Toni invited Antwan over. She envisioned a cozy evening inside, but Antwan’s gentlemanly nature led him to suggest an alternative. Instead of stepping inside, he parked his convertible Mustang in her driveway, the top down to reveal the night sky. They shared cocktails under the stars, their laughter filling the cool evening air. These driveway dates became their thing—a ritual where they’d sip drinks, gaze at the moon, and dream together.

One evening, Antwan asked Toni out on an official date. Her excitement was clear, but as the day approached, her enthusiasm got the best of her. Eager to confirm their plans, Toni sent a flurry of calls and messages. Antwan, busy at work, missed them all. Frustrated, Toni sent a long text ending with, “This isn’t going to work.” Antwan’s reply was simple: “Ok.”

Stunned by his calm response, Toni realized she may have overreacted. They worked through the miscommunication and she asked to come over to his townhouse. Antwan agreed, and that night became a turning point. They spent hours together, eating Chili’s takeout and watching TV. The simplicity of the evening reminded them of what truly mattered: each other.

From that night on, they were inseparable. Daily visits became their new normal, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. Their love story, which began with a DM and blossomed under the stars, now leads them to the altar.

(Our version of the beginning of forever): Fast forward to June 7, 2024, when we decided to take an impromptu trip to one of our favorite destinations... Mexico! After some back-and-forth about which resort to choose, we finally settled on a private swim-out suite at Impressions Moxché. From the moment we arrived, it felt like paradise. We were greeted by our butler and quickly settled into our luxurious room.

That afternoon, we ventured out to the infinity pool and indulged in an amazing lunch, soaking in the views and the sunshine. As dinner approached, we returned to the room for a private swim before getting ready for the evening. Antwan began playing a song while I sipped my cocktail, completely lost in the moment. The song was incredible, and I focused on each and every note the artist sang... so much so that I missed the most important part!

Antwan asked, “Did you hear it?”

Confused, I replied, “Hear what? I was listening to the notes.”

He smiled, replayed the last 30 seconds of the song, and that’s when I heard it: “Toni, will you marry me?”

Tears of joy immediately poured down my face as I realized what had just happened. Of course, I said yes! We spent the rest of the night calling family and friends to share the exciting news, all while soaking in the magic of the moment. It was the perfect beginning to forever.

#HoldenItDown4Ever