Our story goes way back to middle school—Poe Middle School, to be exact—where we first met as seventh graders. Back then, we were just two kids in the same school, crossing paths but not thinking much of it. It wasn’t until we got to Annandale HS that we actually became friends.

By junior year, we somehow ended up in all four of our core classes together. We started studying together, sharing notes, helping each other out, and before we knew it, we became really good friends. We spent so much time together that it just felt natural, like we were meant to be in each other’s lives.

It wasn’t until senior year that things started to change. Somewhere between all those study sessions and late-night talks, we realized that maybe we were more than just friends. It wasn’t one big moment—it was just little things, small realizations that kept adding up. Then came our senior prom, which was actually our first big date. That night kind of sealed the deal for us, and by the end of senior year, we were officially a couple.

We kept dating through college even though we went to different schools, making it work through all the ups and downs that come with growing up together but apart. And in 1993, we made it official and got married. We settled down in Fairfax County, where we’ve built a life together and raised our three amazing kids.

Looking back, it’s funny to think that two middle schoolers who barely knew each other ended up spending a lifetime together. But somehow, it all just worked. Our love story wasn’t rushed or dramatic—it grew over time, built on friendship, trust, lots of laughter and just truly enjoying each other’s company. And after all these years, that’s still the foundation of our relationship.