Donovan and I met on New Year's Eve 3 years ago. I was back from Tokyo visiting for winter vacation and went out with my friends to Igby's in downtown Cincinnati. There across the room, I spotted the most handsome man I have ever seen! I went up to Donovan and introduced myself and we started talking, we clicked instantly! We ended up having the best time together! Unfortunately the next day we had to part ways. Donovan went back home and I returned to Tokyo. I never thought we'd ever see each other again. Well, fast forward to November 2019 when I was living in Cincinnati again and I decided to take a chance and reach back out to Donovan. Luckily he responded and we started talking every single day. He came back to Cincinnati to visit me and we began dating in December. Donovan was in his P.h.D program at Ole Miss and I was in my Montessori education program at Xavier. We both couldn't move to live with one another. So, we dated for a whole year and a half long distance! Finally, we were able to move in together! We moved to Wilmington NC in July of 2021. We are very happy to be living together!

Donovan surprised me with a beautiful proposal on the beach on Long Beach Island, my favorite place in the world! LBI means so much to me. I have been going there every summer for my entire life and I have so many special memories there.... and now I have a new super special memory! We were having a romantic peaceful walk just the two of us holding hands as we walked along the shore. Donovan began to tell me all of the things he loves about me. All of a sudden we stopped, he turned me to face him and continued to tell me everything he loves about me. Then he got down on one knee and I couldn't believe it!! My heart was racing, I could barely talk! He was so sweet and all I could think about was how much I love him and how excited I was that this was happening. I was completely shocked and surprised! After I said yes (of course!) he surprised me even more! He told me to turn around and I saw my family up on the beach, I was so happy they were there to share this moment with me! I saw everyone jumping up and down, taking photos, and I heard cheering! Then he surprised me AGAIN and I looked over and saw my friends running towards me! I couldn't believe that either! It was hands down the happiest day of my life!