Connect How did your love story begin?

He was my brother’s best friend, and our story began back in 2000 when we first started dating. Life took us in different directions, and we parted ways in the summer of 2004. But God had other plans. We found our way back to each other at the very end of 2018. We made it official in 2019, choosing to honor our original anniversary date. On that same date in 2020, he proposed. And a year later, also on our anniversary, we became husband and wife.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

Our very first phone conversation happened on a Sunday. He had just dropped my brother off after a basketball game and mentioned that I was “kinda cute.” My brother didn’t waste time telling me. I said, “Kinda cute? Really? "What's his number.” My brother said he didn’t know it, but he was speed dial number one. I called and politely asked to speak to him. When he got on, I said “That’s it? I’m kinda cute? Why can’t I be all-the-way cute?” He couldn’t help but laugh.

What would you do with $20,000?

We’d finally take that long-awaited honeymoon to beautiful Belize. Something we’ve dreamed about but haven’t had the chance to do yet. Alongside that unforgettable escape, we’d also take care of a few practical things. Clearing out some low-balance credit cards and tying up smaller bills, giving us both a fresh start and peace of mind.