Mitch and Cadene can thank President Obama for their chance meeting. In 2011, while Cadene served as an executive board member of a fundraising organization supporting President Obama's Re-election Campaign, she met Mitch. On Barack Obama's birthday, August 4, 2011, Mitch coordinated a fundraising event for the re-election campaign in partnership with the organization in which Cadene served. They crossed paths for the first time at the event over dinner and drinks. And the rest is sweet history.

By Mitch

God did something special when he brought us Cadene Amoy Russell. Cadene was born and raised in South Florida to two loving and caring parents, Carrol and Barrington. She's the youngest of two children. Her older brother, Barrington Jr., is one of her best friends and has set a great example for her. Both father and brother are virtuous black men who have given her unconditional love, respect, protection, and admiration. They adore her and have given her a living blueprint on how to love and who to love. For this, I am forever thankful. Those teachings have lead her to me.

Cadene left South Florida to attend Duke University. At Duke, she discovered her life's passion and purpose to go into law. I remember listening to the story about her transition from medicine to law. That story appropriately captures the essence of her compassion, heart, and desire for social progress. But it doesn’t stop there. This diva of Delta Sigma Theta is the epitome of an egalitarian. And as fate would have it, Cadene moved to Washington, DC to move the country forward and pursue a career in civil rights and social justice. 

I believe that Cadene is uniquely created by God to be my life partner. I look forward to seeing her walk down the aisle and starting a life together, forever.

By Cadene

My handsome, compassionate, fourth generation Washingtonian.  He has a smile that lights up the room and a laugh that makes you feel happiness in the deepest parts of you.  Mitch grew up in a family with parents who sacrificed their all for him.  He is the son of Gwen and “Big Mitch” and the sibling of two amazing brothers.  Because of the love his family gave to him, he gives his all to everyone he meets.  If he isn’t at a board meeting advocating for educational opportunities on behalf of black youth or creating tangible change for the homeless in our Nation’s Capital, you can find him chronicling generations of his family’s history, building businesses and influencing luxury brands, or at a Monday night poker game breaking bread with the fellas, making connections, and building lasting bonds.  He has vision to fill every void.  That is why where he leads, I will follow.

His life is made when he is watching Martin reruns, testing out the latest tech innovation, or jet setting across the globe.  His allegiance lies with the Redskins and the Wizards (he will yell occasionally at the screen when the Redskins and the Wizards are doing what the Redskins and the Wizards do . . . so be prepared).  And his taste in music amazes me--the Hamilton soundtrack will get just as much play as Reasonable Doubt does!  

Mitch attended college on the highest of seven hills so he’s a FAMUAN through and through.  And his love for South Florida weather, the beach, and Miami nightlife makes him just enough of a Floridian to make it work!  I’m a Florida girl and I thoroughly appreciate that it takes him 0.2 seconds to react when the Miami Boys comes through the speakers!  But the fact that he will watch endless reruns of Law and Order: SVU with me without complaint means he’s a keeper.  It’s as simple as that.

Now, many of you know my handsome husband-to-be personally.   You have been the beneficiaries of the funny, thoughtful, gregarious, and fiercely loyal son, brother, and friend that he is.  But before I knew him, when I was in my teens, I prayed that my future husband would be all of those things.  I prayed that he would be a strong and God-fearing man who would love me as Christ loves me.  And Mitch’s presence in my life is a testament to the fact that God never fails me.  I am lucky to be the recipient of his compassionate, selfless, sacrificial friendship and love.  

When you hear the music play as I walk down the aisle you’ll know why I choose the song.  I won’t ever let him go. . . 

- Mrs. B

By Cadene

While we were in Florida with my family for the holidays, Mitch told me that he wanted us to head to Miami for a date night. On Christmas Eve, we left my parents' home and Mitch drove us to an executive airport just outside of Miami. After arriving, and for the next almost 40 minutes, we were taken on the most breathtaking helicopter tour of Miami and the surrounding beaches just before sunset.
 
After we landed and just as we walked away from the helicopter, Mitch stopped me and started telling me that he loved me and wanted us to begin the rest of our lives together. Mitch got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife! Of course, I said yes! In the midst of a few tears, I could see professional photographer, Cendino Temé, off in the distance taking photos and the Miami Helicopter staff congratulating us (they were in on the surprise)!
 
We ended the night with a romantic dinner at Prime 112 on South Beach and a toast with family at EPIC Hotel in Downtown Miami to celebrate!