Our love story almost missed its moment.

In 2021, Tiya was preparing for a big life change. After living in Texas for three years, she was planning a move to Virginia to start a new career and a new chapter. Around that same time, Alex was beginning his career as a high school teacher and felt pretty confident about what he wanted for his future.

Like many modern love stories, they met online (thanks, Hinge!). Even though Tiya had already decided she might be leaving Texas, she hadn’t deactivated her account just yet—thank goodness. One day she came across Alex’s profile and decided to send the first message. Clearly, she recognized quality when she saw it. Alex was just as excited when he noticed her message… and especially her curly hair.

After talking for a few weeks, they decided to meet for dinner at Ra Sushi. What was supposed to be a simple first date turned into six hours of talking, laughing, and realizing they had a lot more in common than they expected. Even though they lived about an hour apart, distance didn’t slow them down at all.

Back home, Tiya’s beloved pets, Smudge and Sophia, quickly approved of Alex—which in Tiya’s book was a very important test. Not long after, they both realized they had found their person (shoutout to Grey’s Anatomy). Just three months later, they decided to move in together and start building their life side by side.

Over the next few years they supported each other’s goals, moved apartments a few times while figuring out where they wanted to settle, and continued growing together.

Then on December 25, 2023—which also happens to be Alex’s mom’s birthday—Alex asked the most important question: “Will you marry me?”

Of course, Tiya said YES… though not without a few happy tears (very on brand for her).

On March 1, 2025, they officially tied the knot in a small courthouse ceremony in Houston with close friends and family. Sweet, simple, and life-changing.

Just three months later, they bought their first home together and welcomed two energetic kittens, Pixie and Piper, who have since turned the house into their personal gymnastics arena.

Their first year of marriage has been full of big milestones—buying a home, new career paths, welcoming new nieces into the family, and supporting each other through life’s unexpected moments. Through it all, their love has only grown stronger.

Now it’s time to celebrate with all of the people who have been part of their journey. To laugh, dance, and remember the moments that brought them here.

Because this is just the continuation of their happily ever after…

this time with everyone they love.

Photos

Mini Story Time