Our Story
Two paths.
One purpose.
Some stories begin the moment two people meet. Ours took a little longer.
We met as college students living across the street from one another, introduced by a mutual friend. What began as friendship quickly became something deeper — even if neither of us knew where it would eventually lead. There was always a connection, but life had other plans for us first.
His
“I thought she was this beautiful woman with an amazing smile. I just wanted to get to know who she was”
Hers
“I remember seeing this handsome boy around campus. One of the first times, I swear he was wearing a yellow polo. He still insists he’s never owned one.”
2018 → 2020
Finding our way back.
Getting to know each other again
We went on a few dates, taking the time to simply get to know each other again. No expectations. No pressure. Just two people discovering who the other had become.
Apparently, the story wasn’t finished…
August 2020
No more almost.
His review
“I told her I wanted to take her on a date, and I wasn’t taking no for an answer.”
Her review
“I felt truly invigorated and excited by the thought of continuing our journey together, cherishing every moment spent with this handsome man by my side.”
After ten years of friendship, distance, timing and almosts, the timing finally caught up with the connection.
We chose us.
2020 → Today
Life is meant to be lived.
So we’ve lived it.
Across countries, cities, celebrations, challenges and countless ordinary days in between, we’ve learned that the greatest part of experiencing the world is having someone beside you to experience it with.
We’ve celebrated beautiful seasons and walked through difficult ones. Through both, we’ve continued choosing trust, respect, forgiveness, growth and commitment.
At the center of it all
Faith.
Friendship.
Love.
God has always been at the center of our relationship. Our faith has carried us through change, challenged us to grow, and given us a foundation stronger than either of us could have built alone.
Together, we’ve learned to take risks, navigate adversity, protect one another, celebrate one another and continue evolving — in our faith, our relationship, our careers, our families and the life we’re creating.
We are partners. We are best friends. And through every season, we continue choosing one another.
Miami, Florida
She said yes.
12 · 07 · 24
On December 7, 2024, what Desiree thought was another trip to Miami became something much bigger.
Leroy surprised her with a rooftop proposal — and one more surprise waiting beyond the moment: both of our families had traveled to Miami to celebrate with us.
Two days later, we set sail for Leroy’s birthday, this time celebrating something new — the beginning of our engagement.
On December 7, 2024, what Desiree thought was another trip to Miami became something much bigger.
Leroy surprised her with a rooftop proposal — and one more surprise waiting beyond the moment: both of our families had traveled to Miami to celebrate with us.
Two days later, we set sail for Leroy’s birthday, this time celebrating something new — the beginning of our engagement.
And now
Forever.
What began as a friendship between two college students in Bloomington became a partnership neither of us could have fully imagined.
We’ve grown individually. We’ve grown together. And through faith, family, friendship, adventure, laughter and love, we’ve built a life we’re proud to call ours.
What began as a friendship between two college students in Bloomington became a partnership neither of us could have fully imagined.
We’ve grown individually. We’ve grown together. And through faith, family, friendship, adventure, laughter and love, we’ve built a life we’re proud to call ours.
Leroy
“She’s my best friend and the love of my life. I’m grateful God brought us together, and blessed that I get to spend the rest of my life continuing to build with her.”
Desiree
“After all these years, he’s still the handsome boy I met in Bloomington. By the grace of God, we’ve become each other’s support, encouragement and love — and I look forward to continuing to build my life with him.”