The Story you've been waiting for...

...a deep sigh of contentment... On Saturday night, October 17, 2009, Justin D. Davis changed my life once again.

Despite the rainy weather, the cold temperatures, by the time I feel asleep Saturday/Sunday morning my heart was on fire. I've loved before, but the feelings that I felt Saturday night were unbelievable!

So, my "fairy tale" proposal:

Under the premise of doing a photo shoot as something fun to do, Justin and I traveled to the National Harbor in PG. The day had already been a long one. That morning I had gone out to get my hair done, before coming home to grab a quick nap. When I arrived home, my dad had done some Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor type home improvement. Which means what, my mom was peeved and the water was off in the house. To me all of this was the perfect conditions for my nap. After my nap, I got dressed for the evening, Justin was scheduled to pick me up at 5, but was running late... as usual. But, what I didn't know was that he was running late because he was getting his family who had driven down from NJ situated at his apartment before they headed out to meet us.

Justin fights through the traffic of 295, which is bad rain or shine, to pick me up so we can head to Largo for my make-up session. By the time we got there it was already 6pm... so, things are already starting off behind schedule, but I'm still going along for the ride... I had to, by this point I was hungry and our dinner reservation was for 7:30! But, the make-up session went well, Kim did a great job and Melanie was a wonderful assistant! Little did I know that they were both in on the surprise.

Because of the rain, our original plans of taking the photos on the dock of the National Harbor were out, so we relocated to the beautiful atrium of the Gaylord Hotel. The backdrop for one of the greatest nights of my life, was gorgeous. There was a beautiful foundation, an indoor garden and a quaint little cottage... yes, all indoors, needless to say the prices for this hotel are not posted on expedia or hotels.com.

After an hour of taking pictures, with G floating around taking a number of candid shots, Justin began a conversation about discipleship that had been sparked by a question regarding his "dinner" experience from Friday night. He began talking about the major element of discipleship is being intentional. We cannot expect change, dedication and development if we aren't intention with our actions and objectives. This all made sense to me, since we were discussing "dinner" until Justin began talking about being intentional about our happily ever after... huh?!? I'm sure that they didn't talk about happily ever after at "dinner" for the frat, so the confusion began. But, from there Justin talked about being intentional with God, asking Him to reveal the desires of his heart concerning his future wife. And he shared with me, that each time God revealed an attribute he would see that thing in me. Time and time again, Justin said that God moved in that way, during our friendship and the early parts of our relationship. Needless to say, at this point, I'm stuck on stupid as the old folks say, I was trying not to look completely confused and start crying... since G was still taking pictures. Suddenly, Justin began to fumble in his pocket and out of his pocket came a beautiful white box, which he opened to reveal a beautiful ring... and with that the phrase that I only dreamed would come from him, "Diayle Jasmine will you marry me?"

I know I said yes, but I also remember saying, that I should have said no, since we're out in public... but, I know that really wasn't an option, I love him so much for that night. But, my evening of surprises wasn't over... remember, I'm still starving! After, we take a few more pictures, the four of us travel over to Public Charter House to have dinner... I was expecting an intimate dinner during which I could call my family and friends, only to be greeted by a room full of our loved ones! He just continued the surprises! The room was filled with people who have had such a great impact on our lives as individuals as well as our lives as a couple. Our parents were there, siblings, a majority of our bridal party as well as D.Dzirasa who saw this thing before we did ;-). By the end of the night, I was exhausted by happy...

Next to salvation, making me a better person from the inside out, and continual grace... Justin is the best thing that God has ever given me!