I met Dallas back in September of 2017 where I was performing at an open mic in Vacaville called “Words”. After my set, I remember how Dallas had given me a compliment about my performance. Where I was grateful for the compliment, I did not think much of the compliment beyond what it was. We later went out to dinner with the creator of “Words” plus a few friends. We went to the best place on earth to get food late at night, Mels Diner. I remember being intrigued by Dallas and her personality. She was (and still is) extremely smart, she has a great personality, and beautiful. She ordered their veggie omelet. Later that night we went back to Fae’s house (creator of Words and owner of Bliss Urban Arts) and we had a couple glasses of wine and we talked. I remember how captivated I was by being around Dallas. I wanted to pursue her, however I just got out of a relationship and was still in a healing stage. So I did what any man would have done, found her on Instagram, and continued to say absolutely nothing to her. Over time she’d faze in and out of my mind, but she would be on my social media timeline, which is kind of cool. I’d then see her at dance related things, and I’d still think she was as beautiful as the day I saw her. So with me seeing her more-ish, I did what any man would have done. Nothing. It was not until the summer of 2018 where I chose to make a move and message her on Instagram all the way from Japan. I guess doing things from overseas makes you brave, right?

My first date with Dallas was at Texas Roadhouse, I thought I was putting her on game, but I really wasn’t. I was pretty self centered that night, and during dinner time, I spent no time talking to her because of how focused I was on the food in front of me. I still remember picking her up in my Nissan Sentra (which I still faithfully drive today). I remember the scent of her perfume, her outfit, the smile on her face, and all the laughs we had that night. We continued to go on different dates, some in Elk Grove, some in Fairfield. It was by our third date I had realized I wanted to be with Dallas for the rest of my life. I felt safe with her, supported, and loved. It was not till us dating for about 3 months when I had told her I loved her. However, I did not say it in a way that was charming. It was very weenie hut junior of me to tell Dallas this; I was falling asleep and I told my pillow who I thought was you that I loved you. I thought I nailed it, but looking at it now, I could have been more direct.

About 4 years later, multiple job changes, 2 apartments and numerous google searches, I bought the ring, and asked for her dads blessing about 6 months until I actually proposed. The journey has not been easy, however, the work to grow as a couple and as individuals has been worth it. She’s my favorite person. My favorite person to make smile, my favorite person’s butt to touch, and my favorite person to laugh, annoy, pray for, and do life with.

To Dallas: I cannot wait to marry you! I’ll see you at home, and then the altar. Nakupenda sana 😀

We met for the first time 7 years ago! I went to an Open Mic Night called Words! Fairfield artists HOLLA! LOL I went there to support one of my friends that was performing there.

When we got there, this guy named Phillip was performing. He was singing, had a great voice, and then also danced in his performance. I remember thinking “Aww he’s cute”, then once he finished the song he was singing, he sang “The Line by DVSN” I was like “OMG I LOVE THIS SONG” to my friend I was there with. That was my favorite song at the time.

After the Open Mic was over my friend and I were invited to go out to eat with the performers and have a little hang out. We ate at Mels Diner! LOL Phillip still remembers what I ordered… #stalker LOL. We all had a great night and the only guy I remember from the hang out was him. He was and is so handsome to me. But I wasn’t really looking to be in a relationship or really be dating at the time so I just went on with my single girly life! I ran into him a couple more times at parties that we were both invited to. We were both dancers but we were in different circles and sometimes those circles overlapped.

A year later…

I get a DM on Instagram from him (while he is in JAPAN). He sends me a DM that said…

“This is just a compliment, and you seem like you can take one. You have a very dope vibe about you. Creative, open-minded, family oriented etc. Just from what Ive seen, you got very beautiful characteristics about you. Both inside and out. Whoever gets to encourage you on your bad days as well as see your flaws and secrets is a very blessed individual. Youre dope. Simply put. Who knows maybe I can even see you when I get back from vacation 😅”

HAHA he’s going to kill me that I shared this with all of you, but this note for me started it all! We went on a date and made our relationship official on June 12th of 2018. He then told me he loved me around 2-3 months of us dating! Well… he didn’t tell me specifically, he was falling asleep and told his pillow named Dallas that he loved her! 😂

Not only have we been able to grow together these past 6 years but we have been able to find God again together and put God at the center of our relationship. I am so thankful to have found him and that God placed this man in my life to love, cherish, support, and experience. Thank you everyone for being a part of our next chapter as we become Husband and Wife.