The Lucky Lady: Nydia Pouyes, 30, Attorney
Her Guy: Terrance Mebane, 30, Attorney
The Big Day: July 11, 2015
Wedding Location: Washington, D.C.
How did you meet your man?
We met in April of 2013 when a mutual friend introduced us over email. At the time, Terrance was living in Columbus, Ohio, so we spoke and texted a few times after that, but nothing materialized. A few months later, Terrance was in D.C. visiting friends. Although I was out of town for a conference that weekend, I returned a few hours before his flight left for Ohio. We didn’t have time to meet up, but Terrance really wanted to meet me so he asked me for a ride to the airport. I was reluctant at first, but something kept telling me to take a chance and give this (somewhat) perfect stranger a ride. I’m so glad I took that chance. We’ve been inseparable ever since.
What your dating life like before him?
It was ok, but I just wasn’t meeting the right guy, who I truly wanted to be with forever. I was not looking for love, but I was open to it.
Come clean: Did you play a little hard to get?
I didn’t have to play hard to get. I let Terrance know my standards and he courted me accordingly. Everything fell into place easily.
Most embarrassing date ever?
I don’t recall ever being embarrassed in front of Terrance. We’re so comfortable around each other that it’s hard to imagine feeling embarrassed about anything.
When did you know he was “The One’”?
I knew Terrance was the one during our first date. Although he was living in Columbus, Ohio at the time, he traveled to D.C. and planned a full weekend of fun and exciting activities. The weekend was a magical whirlwind with every moment unfolding better than the last. It felt like we’d known each for years instead of months. The connection we had was unmistakable and I knew he was The one.
How long did you date before you got engaged?
One year.
Did you have a hunch that he was going to propose?
I did. We made our intentions clear and both knew we were in it for the long haul.
How did he pop the question?
Terrace popped the questions while we were vacationing in Greece in July 2014. We were admiring the awesome sunset at the Port of Mykonos and taking lots of pictures, but I noticed he was behaving suspiciously, fidgeting and nervous. He wouldn’t remove his hand from his pocket either. “Hey Terrance, did I feel something round in your pocket when I bumped into you?” I asked. He played dumb, but something was definitely up. He never acted that obtuse. After a fun night of dinner, drinks and dancing, Terrance suggested that we stop by the port again to get one more picture. With the biggest smile on his face, Terrance told me that he has loved me since we met and that it was “well-established” (inside joke) that we were going to spend the rest of our lives together. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
Photos: Wale Ariztos