Aliya and Dion became Facebook friends in February 2017. A year later, Dion saw that Aliya checked in at One Eyed Betty's, not a restaurant that most know about. He messaged her to ask that she let him know when she planned to go back so he could join her. To his surprise she responded. Aliya eventually contacted him and they met. After exchanging nervous hellos, it was easily the best conversation they've had in quite a while. She was a good listener, good talker, she smiled a lot, definitely had Dion at ease. After about 2 and a half hours, they said their goodbyes. Dinner could’ve lasted a bit longer but it was late & both had to be at work the next day. From that point forward, they went out at least once a week. After months of consistent dating, Dion just couldn’t get out of the "friend zone". Dion decided to set up a great date night, which included dinner at Wolfgang Puck inside of MGM Grand Casino in Detroit, music and libations at You Me Drink. Dion thought for certain the date would end much differently but contrary to what he anticipated, Aliya thanked him for the wonderful evening and they parted. After that night, they didn’t talk for what seemed like a month but was probably just 2 weeks. Dion knew he wanted to move the relationship forward and not just be the nice guy she went out with to have drinks, a meal, and great conversation. Although Dion didn’t like being in the friend zone, he missed the long talks, texts, & exchange of topics they thought the other would find interesting. Dion built up anxiety because their last date didn’t end the way he would have liked. However, he reluctantly invited her to a Piston’s game at Little Ceasar Arena. They decided to meet at Grey Ghost Detroit. Once she entered the restaurant, Dion made the decision to be patient and to do whatever it takes to be in her life.

On August 2, 2019, Dion and Aliya spent the day in Hollywood, California. Aliya noticed that Dion was not quite himself but could not figure out what was going on with him. Later that evening, they began talking about life and the defining moments that shaped their relationship. Aliya is usually pretty sharp but she did not anticipate Dion "popping" the question. Dion, kneeling on the side of the bed, said, “I wouldn’t know how to ask you to marry me”. Hitting him with a pillow and still clueless, Aliya replied, “Just ask me! Let's practice!” and she proceeded to turn away to go to sleep. Dion replied, “Ok, I will. Aliya Monet Chaney, will you marry me?” She jumped up and replied, “Are you for real? Are you serious? Yes!” Their trip to California was life changing!

Pictures of the engagement celebration are available online at https://dion-aliya.smugmug.com/Detroit-Vineyard/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h9RXIi9wOQ (copy & paste the video link into your web browser)