I never experienced a moment of sudden realization. Before Nefertiti and I started our relationship, I knew she’d be my girlfriend in the near future, and that’s exactly what happened. During the first year of our relationship, I literally went to bed hoping she’ll be my wife one day and the next morning I would awaken knowing that she will be Mrs. Nefertiti Anderson at some point. It was definitely a transition from believing it would happen one day to making it a reality soon. To answer the question of “When did I know?” It feels like I’ve always known. When people ask, "When did you know he was the one?" it's hard to give a succinct answer. I knew when he wouldn't pull out of a parking spot until I had buckled my seatbelt. I knew when he seemed to know exactly what I needed at any given moment - a hug, a pep talk, a Netflix marathon, a 90s R&B jam session, silent times of mindfulness - whatever I needed, Allen has given it to me (sometimes before I knew I needed it). I knew when he met my brothers, and would ask me about ventures and projects they were working on that had slipped my mind. I knew when he would plan last minute trips to see my parents and grandmother in PA or grandparents in NJ because they were on his mind. I knew when he would share his beloved mangos with MomMom, and she would share hers with him. I knew when he got PopPop to have a long conversation (those that know PopPop know he's a man of few words). Allen is one of the best humans I could've ever come across, and his family is a big reason why. His family has completely embraced me from day one, and they've been on this ride with us as well. Our village is big, bright, and beautiful. Through all of the things, good and bad, love has remained at the center of it all.

August 2nd, 2018. Location: Maui, HI It all started with asking for Nefertiti's father's blessing while on family vacation in Maui. Mr. Roy was instructed to tell no one about it until the right time. Once I gave the go ahead upon returning to the East Coast, Mr. Roy told everyone except Mrs. Roy about the upcoming proposal, per my request. Nefertiti and her mom talk almost everyday, and she can always tell when her mom isn't saying something - I couldn't risk it! August 18, 2018. Location: Washington, DC I was excited about the rather early "Date Night" that Allen was taking me on at 1 in the afternoon. When we arrived Downtown, Allen seemed nervous, but I assumed he was hot and uncomfortable and dismissed it. When we rounded the corner at City Center, I saw a steakhouse that I thought he was taking me to, and I got pretty excited. Then, we ran into my friend Justus, and stopped to chat and catch up. While Justus and I were talking, in the distance, I saw a big group of people starting to approach. I thought to myself, "That lady looks like my grandmother, but no way that's her." I snapped out of my thoughts just in time to hear Justus say, "Are you ready?" I replied "For what?" She said, "Girl get ready and turn around." At that moment, Allen was behind me on one knee with a ring in hand. I also realized that those people approaching weren't strangers, they were our family and closest friends! We were both so overwhelmed with nerves and joy, neither of us can really recollect what we said in that moment, but we both remember me saying "YES!"

We love DC! It's where Allen grew up, where Titi’s parents met, where we met, where we live, and where many other of our "firsts" have been. When referring to where to get married, the better question is, "Why not DC?"