Donovan told me we were celebrating my birthday a few days early with dinner – but making one stop first. We then arrived at the Observation Deck at CEB Tower, a building in Rosslyn, Virginia that gives you a panoramic view of Washington D.C.’s monuments and landmarks.
When we got to the top floor, we stopped to take in the view of Washington. When I turned around Donovan was on one knee and asked me to be his partner, equal, and wife. Of course, I said yes!
Donovan and I met in high school at a mutual friend's birthday party. One year later we wound up at George Mason University together. The first week of being at school Donovan reached out to see if I needed help getting settled in my dorm. After I rattled off a list of things I needed help with, Donovan graciously came over in the middle of night and set up my computer, printer, and set up shelving for me. He's always had such a giving heart and though I didn't realize it then, this would become one of my favorite qualities about him.
Donovan met my parents (and about a quarter of my extended family) on graduation day at GMU. He graciously sat through a four hour meal at Cheesecake Factory where he was grilled on every topic under the sun...but he left with their approval!
Over the years, Donovan has endured two long graduation ceremonies, helped me to create and stick to a study schedule for the PMP and continued to support all of my educational and professional pursuits. He has always been the best cheerleader--helping me to stay focused and pushing me to better myself each and every day.
Ariel is the love of my life, my best friend, my equal; at times it's hard for me to believe that the Lord blessed me with a chance to share a lifetime with such an incredible woman. Outside of Ariel's beauty and intelligence, she is loving, generous and patient. I knew that I wanted to marry Ariel after I nearly got us stranded on a remote island in Indonesia. Ariel's trust and patience in an unfamiliar situation on the other side of the earth spoke volumes about her character. Through Ariel's patience and by the grace of God, we managed to catch the last tender off of the island with a few minutes to spare.
We welcomed Bruno Brown, our wild strong willed, chocolate lab into the family in May 2019. There were many late nights and early mornings as we conquered potty and crate training...but we survived, and couldn't be happier.
They say that traveling with your significant other is a good test of your relationship. Our trip to Bali was definitely that-- after we were almost stranded on an island, I tried a yogurt bowl at a local cafe that landed me in the hospital with food poisoning. Donovan nursed me back to health and made the remaining days of the vacation fun even though I couldn't keep anything down. He is the best caretaker. I wouldn't want another partner to be with me in sickness or in health.
Whether we were together or apart Donovan has never missed one of my birthdays!
Ariel has been down for me from the very start. She’s loved and valued me — not for my possessions or my looks, but for the man that I strive to be...and she pushes me to be that man and reach my full potential, with every passing day.