Alia & Phillip crossed paths several times before becoming a couple.  They went to college across the street from each other in Atlanta (Spelman & Morehouse).  One of Phillip's best friends, Ron, introduced them while Alia was working in Cincinnati.  Then Phillip moved to Tokyo.  Fate would have it that they both started grad school in NYC the same year.  They met again amongst friends early in their programs.  Finally, a year after finishing school, they  reconnected at a birthday party.  After a long and spirited conversation about traveling (their favorite thing to do), they decided to go on a date.  6 years later and loving each other more each day, they are planning for the rest of their lives together!

The Proposal:  Virgin Atlantic VS046 24 Sept 2009
We were all buckled up for take-off to London for the Cat on a Hot Tin Roof 7-month West End theatre run. The flight attendant had just served up pre-flight champagne.  Phillip asked if I let the hotel know that he was coming with me and what I told them. I said that my boyfriend would be staying for 3 months before returning to New York to teach.  He objected and pulled out a box.  He popped the question and slipped his grandmother's beautiful engagement ring on my finger.