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With Valentine’s Day approaching, five local couples are reflecting on the introductions, first dates and unexpected turns that grew into engagements and decades-long marriages.

Merrick and Marsha Malone

Merrick and Marsha Malone discovered that their paths had nearly crossed long before a mutual friend introduced them at an Urban League dinner in Houston.

Both came from Ohio towns less than 30 miles apart and attended rival schools. Marsha had cheered against Merrick while he played football, but they did not meet until adulthood. Merrick was living in Detroit at the time and soon began traveling to Virginia every other weekend to see her.

Marsha was drawn to his intelligence and adventurous nature. Merrick admired her tenacity, organizational skills and nurturing role as the matriarch of their families.

After attending law school in Washington, D.C., Merrick found it easy to return to the area to be with her. They married in 1996 and, after nearly 29 years of marriage, remain grateful for the experiences they have shared—including meeting presidents and entering rooms they never imagined visiting.

For Marsha, the romance carried an unexpected twist: After traveling around the world, she found her partner in someone who had grown up just down the road.

Bill and Harlene Clayton

Bill and Harlene Clayton grew up together in Crisfield, Maryland, a small Chesapeake Bay community, and attended the same high school.

Their romance began later in Washington, D.C., where both went to school and lived near one another in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. They married in 1966 and moved to Parkfairfax the following year.

Alexandria has now been their home for 57 years. It is where they raised their family and built a life centered on community service, friendships and travel. Dancing remains another shared passion.

Matthew Lehman and Andrea Espinosa

Matthew Lehman and Andrea Espinosa are preparing for a new chapter after getting engaged in July. They plan to marry in September.

The couple will mark three years together on Feb. 25. Matthew said he felt an immediate connection when he first saw Andrea, whose eyes, he said, could light up a room. Although school and other responsibilities made wedding planning difficult, the relationship itself felt right.

Andrea values Matthew’s kindness, generosity and concern for others. For Valentine’s Day and their anniversary, they plan to continue an annual tradition by returning to Mia’s, the Italian restaurant where they had their first date.

Angela and Chris Harris

Angela and Chris Harris found each other through the dating app Plenty of Fish—but their relationship almost ended before it began.

Chris asked for Angela’s phone number after only a few messages. She wanted to continue talking through the app first, and he disappeared. After several disappointing dates with other people, Angela checked the app again, saw that Chris was still there and contacted him.

They have now been married for nearly six years. Angela appreciates the security Chris gives her and says she never has to question how he feels. Chris credits Angela with challenging him, supporting his ambitions and helping him grow. The ability to communicate and confide in her convinced him that she was the one—and she became his best friend.

Alyia and Greg Gaskins

Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Greg Gaskins will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary on Feb. 20, though their relationship stretches back 15 years.

A mutual friend from the University of Pittsburgh brought them together during a summer gathering with football players. Alyia recalled that the invitation effectively led her to Greg’s doorstep.

She treasures his calming presence amid their busy and sometimes chaotic family life. Greg said Alyia’s smile captivated him at the beginning of their relationship and remains one of the things he loves most about her.

They plan to celebrate their anniversary with a private cabin getaway in the Shenandoah Valley.