Our Story

How we met…
Winta had been attending National Community Church for two years, drooling over Joel as he led worship (so goes Joel’s version of the story…), before they officially met. They had their first date at a Motown Music tribute concert at The Howard Theater. Things went so well, they went on a second date the very next day. It wasn’t long before they knew that they both shared a love for good food, coffee, and funny movies. They also have more serious common interests like their faith, caring for others through hospitality, and always making time for each other and family.

Joel credits Winta for his recent “glow-up” in all facets of life, he says she is the activator behind his boldest dreams and encourages him to try new things, like yoga and spicy foods. Some of Joel’s favorite things about Winta are her wittiness, work ethic, and unyielding passion for causes she believes in. He says she has the kindest heart and is one of the funniest people he knows. Winta says Joel has helped her to take more risks, be more disciplined, and encourages her to go after what she wants in life. Some of her favorite things about Joel are his positive outlook — everything is possible in his eyes, and his gentle and thoughtful nature. Winta says Joel is incredibly observant, intuitive, and has the ability to genuinely connect with any person he meets.

The Proposal…
I told Winta I wanted to take her to dinner at one of her favorite restaurants, which also so happens to be where we had our second date. Winta had been sick that week, so I knew she would be off her game. Winta is super nosy, err, I mean observant, so I used all the help I could get in catching her off guard. She thought it was a random Thursday, but really, it was me trying to capitalize on her compromised state. I told her we had reservations at 6:30 pm.

We both work in the city where rush hour traffic is insane. She was clearly frustrated that we were (a) going out to in Maryland on a school night when they have a location downtown which would have been far more convenient, (b) traveling during rush hour, and (c) that I didn’t make better planning decisions. Much to my surprise, she held her tongue! As expected, we hit traffic on the way, so she offered to call the restaurant to let them know we would be 15 minutes late. I told her not to worry, we have a grace period, and I didn’t think they would be busy on a Thursday night. I think her spidey senses went at this point because she knows I hate being late.

We parked in the garage at the National Harbor 10 minutes after our “6:30 reservation.” Winta was clearly confused about why I was taking my time getting out of the car (I was putting the ring box in my pocket) and casually strolling toward the restaurant. As we approached the restaurant, I noted the beautiful sunset and asked her to take a quick photo before we went inside. If her spidey sense weren’t up before, they were now. Nonetheless, she obliged. 

We walked down toward the pier and sat on a bench, preparing to recreate the first photo we ever took together. Instead of pulling out my phone, I pulled out the ring box and got down on one knee. Most of the actual proposal was a blur, but I do recall just before she said yes and I slipped the ring onto her finger, telling her that during my morning meditation I came across Ephesians 3:20 which reads, “God can do exceedingly, abundantly, immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.” I shared that it was a timely scripture because I was going to propose that day, and it eloquently summed up what He did for me by bringing her into my life. Far, far, far above what I could ever ask, or think (good lookin’ out G!). 

There were tears, hugs, kisses, and happy phone calls in the hours to follow. Oh, and we did eventually get to Rosa Mexicana at our actual reservation time of 7:15 pm. 

Why Tulum…
We visited Tulum Mexico in October 2018 just a few weeks after we got engaged. Both self-proclaimed introverts, we wanted a quiet and relaxing vacation. Tulum is blissfully free of mega-hotels and resorts, instead filled with small boutique hotels and eco-lodges. We’ve traveled together quite a bit over the years but never had a vacation as restful as this one. We drank fresh pressed juice every morning while eating our made-to-order breakfast outside of our hotel suite. We did yoga overlooking the ocean and ate seafood and tacos to our heart’s content. Talk about a dream!

During our trip, we stumbled across a cute beach club hosting a private event. We met a lovely woman, Sofia, (who is our wedding planner today) and inquired about the venue and the event taking place. She told us there was a wedding going on, so naturally we shared that we were recently engaged. She asked if we wanted to see the space, took our bags out of our hands, and replaced them with the most delicious cocktails. She gave us a tour during the wedding, so we had the good fortune of seeing what is now our wedding venue all glammed up. Much to our surprise, the space was the perfect blend of elegance and boho chic. After what was the most romantic and rejuvenating vacation we’ve ever had, we returned home glowing. Winta never in a million years thought she would consider a destination or beach wedding. Seven months into our engagement and many DC wedding venue tours later, we resolved Tulum was where we wanted to say our “I Dos.” We got our wonderful families on board and booked the venue. 

We hope our guests will experience the same restoration and relaxation that we did in Tulum. Sleep in, or wake up early to catch the amazing sunrises, take a yoga class (they are offered everywhere), swim in a cenote (natural swimming pool), and most importantly, eat all the tacos you can. Tulum here we come!