Deronda Corbin & Jarrett Washington

Deronda and Jarrett first met at kids in 1989, when her father was serving as the pastor of the church Jarrett was attended. Even though he was only 7 years old at the time, Jarrett says he has fond memories of her parents. Twenty years later they crossed paths again at the funeral of a friend. Jarrett watched as Deronda eulogized the friend with resilience and passion in the midst of tragedy, and knew he wanted to reconnect with her. He did so through Facebook and the couple dated two years before Jarrett popped the question on Christmas day. While shopping for gifts, Deronda had seen a retro DOTS candy lunch box she knew she had to have. Jarrett ended up getting the lunch box for her and when she opened it Christmas day, she found something else inside. There was a hand-written note that ended with, “Will you allow me to blow your mind for the rest of your life? All you have to do is say ‘Yes.’ ” Under the letter, the lunch box was filled with DOTS candies and a little white box holding the ring. Jarrett says he didn’t expect her to answer his question with a question as she whispered, “Did you ask my daddy?” Since he had, she said “Yes.” The couple plans to wed March 24, 2012.