Our story began in March 2022 when we first met while working at the United States Postal Service (USPS). At first, we were barely speaking beyond a quick hello in passing. But as time went on, our paths kept crossing, and little by little, we started talking more.

By February 2023, we had built a true friendship—one that was natural, easy, and filled with laughter. Whether it was sharing stories about our lives, cracking jokes to get through the workday, or simply enjoying each other’s company, we found ourselves drawn to each other in a way we hadn’t expected. Conversations that started as small talk turned into deep discussions, and what felt like just another workday soon became the highlight of our routine.

It didn’t take long for us to realize that what we had was something special. By the end of February 2023, that friendship had turned into something even deeper, and we officially became a couple. From that moment on, everything just felt right—like we had found exactly what we didn’t know we were looking for.

Since becoming a couple, our love story has been filled with adventures, laughter, and special moments that have brought us even closer. One of the biggest parts of our journey has been discovering new things together—like our first time tent camping together! At first, weren't sure what to expect, but after that first trip, we fell in love with it. Now, it’s something we both enjoy and look forward to whenever we can escape into nature.

We both love to travel and experience new places, even though we definitely don’t enjoy the airport part of it. But once we reach our destination, the adventure makes it all worth it! Whether it’s sightseeing in a new city, taking in breathtaking views, or enjoying excursions like boat tours, ATVs, and ziplining, we always find new ways to make the most of every trip. Exploring the world together has been one of the most exciting parts of our journey, and we can’t wait for all the places we have yet to see!

When we’re not off exploring, we love spending time with family, hosting gatherings at our home, and creating fun memories with the people we love. We enjoy cooking together, trying new restaurants, relaxing at home, and watching our favorite shows. We also love being outdoors, whether it’s camping, fishing, biking or just sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air.

One of the most important parts of our journey has been placing God at the center of our relationship. Our faith has guided us through every step, and we look forward to our Sunday church days as a time to grow spiritually and strengthen our bond. Keeping God first has made our love even stronger, and we are grateful for the blessings He continues to bring into our lives.

And let’s not forget—when it comes to Spades, we are undefeated! No matter who sits across from us at the table, we always bring our A-game. We are the best Spades partners, and to this day, no one has been able to take our crown!

Every experience, big or small, has shaped our relationship and made us stronger as a couple. Our journey has been filled with love, laughter, faith, and adventure, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

On Friday, August 2, 2024, we flew to Shreveport, Louisiana, to celebrate NaShari’s cousin’s surprise engagement proposal and party. We had an amazing time with family, completely unaware that another surprise was already in motion. While in Shreveport, NaShari kept wondering why she wasn’t getting alerts from our home security cameras. Every single camera—inside, outside, and even the garage—was disconnected. When she brought it up, Phil casually brushed it off, saying it must have been a power outage in the neighborhood. With so much excitement from the weekend, she let it go… for the moment.

We flew back to Denver on Sunday, August 4th, and went straight to Phil’s mother’s house. As we pulled up, NaShari noticed a lot of cars outside but assumed it was just a neighbor hosting something. Moments later, Phil’s niece came outside and, for some reason, insisted that NaShari “take her scarf off.” Confused but cooperative, she did—assuming she was about to be surprised with a Louis Vuitton bag (because, of course, she has expensive taste in gifts!).

As we walked inside, everything seemed normal at first. Then, Phil led her downstairs, where she noticed rose petals and candles leading up the stairwell. It was quiet—too quiet. As she reached the top of the stairs, she saw Phil’s mother and brother-in-law sitting at the table, along with a beautifully arranged path of purple rose petals and candles. Completely unaware of what was happening, she assumed it was a dark, romantic setup for Phil’s sister and her husband. She kept saying, “What do y’all have going on?” and “Phil, we shouldn’t be here!”

Then, she saw his nieces sitting on the couch—including one who had flown in all the way from Arizona. That’s when confusion turned into pure shock. But the surprises didn’t stop there—friends and family from out of state had also flown in just to be part of this special moment! As she was still trying to process everything, she suddenly heard a voice whisper in her ear. In the middle of her shock, she recognized it instantly —someone she never expected to see standing there. It was her mom, all the way from Houston! That was the moment it all truly hit her—this was her proposal!

Trying to put the pieces together, she barely noticed Phil leading her around the corner, where suddenly everyone yelled, “Surprise!”

Still processing everything, it took her a moment to realize that Phil was down on one knee—waiting for her answer! (And yes, now it all made sense… Phil had to disconnect the cameras before we left for Shreveport, and everyone who shared their phone location with NaShari had turned it off to keep her from figuring anything out! If you know NaShari, you know she is nosey! 😆)

The level of planning & secrecy that went into this proposal was next level, and somehow, no one slipped up!

Of course, the answer was YES! 💜✨

Marriage isn’t just about saying “I do”—it’s about continuing the love, laughter, and partnership we’ve already built. We are excited to spend forever together, creating new memories, reaching new milestones, and growing even stronger as a team.

We look forward to deepening our bond, supporting each other through life’s highs and lows, and always keeping God at the center of our journey. Faith has been a guiding force in our relationship, and we know that with God, love, and commitment, there’s nothing we can’t overcome together. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey will be standing before God, our family, and our closest friends as we exchange vows—promising to love, honor, and cherish each other for a lifetime.

We’re excited for everything that comes with this next chapter—building an even stronger foundation, setting new goals as a couple, and creating a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. From traveling the world to hosting family gatherings, enjoying Sunday church days, and staying undefeated in Spades, we can’t wait to experience it all as husband and wife.

Most of all, we’re excited to wake up every day knowing we get to continue this journey—side by side, hand in hand, forever.

🤍