Q&A

  • We met on an app in 2019. 

  • We started talking in October 2019; had our first date at a wine bar in Charlotte, NC; and officially started dating on February 1, 2020, just a few weeks before the world went into lockdown.

  • We got engaged on January 19, 2024, also known as National Popcorn Day, which happens to be DJ’s favorite snack. Michael planned a weekend inspired by DJ’s favorite things:

    • A Celebration of Black Music in Film with the Richmond Symphony

    • A movie starring Keke Palmer and SZA (DJ’s favorite actress and artist)

    • A staycation at the Quirk Hotel in downtown Richmond

    That evening, while taking in the city view, Michael got down on one knee, and DJ said yes!

  • We were married on Wednesday, October 15, at Maymont Park in Richmond, VA.

  • DJ hates the cold, and Michael hates the heat, so mid-October was a happy compromise. We’ve both loved exploring Richmond’s parks, and Maymont stood out as a beautiful, LGBTQ-inclusive space that felt right for us.

  • We wanted to take this step the same way we’ve approached every milestone in our relationship: together, quietly, and intentionally. We also wanted to be mindful of cost and avoid the stress that can come with large weddings. Our ceremony included just us, our officiant, and our photographer; exactly the way we wanted it.

  • Our ceremony was officiated by Tia Ballard-Bryant with Hello Love.

  • Our photographer was Alex Hines with Alex Hines Photo & Co.

  • The colors of our home — sage, blue, and white — have become part of our shared aesthetic. When it came time to choose suits, those same tones felt natural. The choices also carried personal meaning:

    • DJ’s green suit and our burgundy ties reflected both of his brothers’ wedding colors

    • A card from Michael’s sister and brother-in-law featured two grooms in blue and green

    • And the photo on our “We Eloped” vinyl record was taken at Michael’s younger brother’s wedding

    It felt like a subtle way to include our families in the day.

  • No. We decided to keep our own names for now and may revisit the idea later.

  • We took a minimoon in Virginia Beach, but we’re hoping to visit Amsterdam in the future. If friends or family want to contribute toward the trip, there’s a donation section on our site. We deeply appreciate any support, and completely understand if you can’t.

  • No. Prince is happiest at home, so we let him stay in his element. The photo of him on our “We Eloped” vinyl was created by DJ using ChatGPT.