Once upon a time, in 2016, two educators crossed paths during a professional development day in Aldine ISD. Both were Theatre Teachers at different schools, devoted to the art of storytelling and shaping young minds. At the time, Cliff was meant to be Kimberly’s mentor.

Cliff thought Kimberly was quiet, pretty and professional. Kimberly saw Cliff as brilliant, a bit intimidating, and a mastermind. What neither knew was that their story was only in its opening pages.

Months later, destiny gently nudged them back together. Friends whispered that they might be a good match for one another and tried on several occasions to put them together in the same environment. And just like that, the plot thickened.

After many postponed plans, their first official date finally arrived at Mamacita’s Mexican Restaurant. From there, their story unfolded with intention and heart. On December 15, 2017, Cliff attended an Alpha Phi Alpha Toy Dance as Kimberly’s date, and that night, their chapter officially began.

Though they came from different sides of town — Kimberly from the Southside and Cliff from the Northside — their roots were entwined more deeply than they ever imagined. Both trace their family history back to Natchitoches, Louisiana. Both share professional backgrounds in theatre, film, and education. And in a twist worthy of the stage, unbeknownst to them, they once attended the same church in Los Angeles and worked on the same film, Dreamgirls — Cliff behind the scenes and Kimberly on screen — long before they truly knew one another.

As yin and yang, they balance each other beautifully, grounded in faith and guided by Christ. Throughout the years, they have grown into a blended family, building a life filled with directing plays, teaching future thespians, Sunday morning church services, school events for three boys, family dinners, travel, and laughter.

Then, on the most romantic night of the year — February 14, 2025 — Cliff added a dramatic twist worthy of the theatre. A pretend medical emergency had Kimberly preparing for urgent care, only for concern to turn into surprise when Cliff rose from the floor with a ring in hand. After Kimberly confirmed that Cliff was indeed ok, The answer was, without hesitation, yes.

Now, as they prepare to take center stage together, they do so with hearts full of gratitude — for the journey, the timing, and the village of family and friends who have loved and supported them along the way. This is their Happily Ever Alexander — and they are honored to have you witness the next act of their love story.